Sligo Rovers have confirmed the signing of defender Patrick McClean from Waterford FC.
The young brother of Irish international James McClean has signed a two-year deal and is expected to go straight into the squad for Friday’s home game against his hometown club Derry City.
The 21-year-old began his career with the Candystripes before going on to play a leading role for Waterford as they were promoted to the top flight last season.
He now moves to Rovers after consistently being on Lyttle’s radar in recent transfer windows.
The Rovers boss said: “We’re delighted to get the deal done. Patrick is aggressive, strong in a tackle, good in the air and was captaining Waterford for some matches at 20-years-old which will tell you about his mentality.
“He had been with Derry and the season with Waterford has brought him along further. I was trying to sign him at Cliftonville when he was at Derry and I’ve been tracking him since.
“Kevin Deery has been monitoring the situation in the last few weeks and I don’t think he fully settled down there. It’s a long way from Derry and that was a hindrance to him. We tried to get the deal done last week but it took time.
“He was in The Showgrounds last Saturday night to see what the club is about and I think it impressed him. He has made a sacrifice to come here this season – this is a good deal for the club for a player of his calibre.
“He is a centre half but can also feature at left-back. When we have a full hand defensively, it’s going to be hard fought to get in the team and that’s brilliant for us.
“Patrick offers a goal threat at set pieces. We didn’t look the biggest of sides against Limerick and that’s another positive in him joining us. It’s a big addition.”
McClean said: “I’m delighted to finally be here. It has taken some time to get everything signed off.
“I was at the game on Saturday. There was a great crowd there, over 3,000 which is brilliant for a League of Ireland side. I was treated so well and the people couldn’t do enough.
“I felt when the team conceded the goal, they lacked bite. That’s something I will try to bring. I’m here to play. The gaffer mentioned about the possibility of playing centre half or left back because of a couple of injuries in defence but I’m happy just to play.
“It was hard to focus in the last while as pre-season concluded. Now I’m here, I want to bed myself into the club and make my mark.”
