Andy Lyons is targeting silverware with Shamrock Rovers after today completing his move from arch rivals Bohemians.
The right-back spent the last four seasons with the Gypsies and represented Ireland at Under-21 level.
But he is ‘buzzing’ to get the move over the line, and said that winning trophies and the prospect of European runs was the motivation for signing.
Lyons, who was out of contract at Bohs, said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to get the deal over the line. It’s a massive club and they’ve shown (that) in the last few years with league titles and European runs.
“I got a call from Stephen Bradley and once I started chatting to him and hearing his plans and vision for me, that was something I was really excited about.
“England and the UK is my ambition, but he outlined what his plan is for me and I think this is the perfect club for me.
“Especially at the age I’m at now, going to a full-time set up was something that was big for me.
“There is European exposure and hopefully some leagues and cups as well. It’s definitely going to aid my development and Stephen has a clear plan in place for me.”
Crewe, Shrewsbury and Plymouth were all linked with Lyons since the end of last season but he feels he can achieve his objectives at Rovers.
Lyons continued: “There was a bit of interest from the UK but I just felt that the next step for me was a full-time club, and the league champions.
“My time at Bohs was brilliant and I have a lot of friends there.
“Not getting Europe with Bohs was very disappointing and my experience last year meant that I just really want to go back there and experience that again.
“It’s about making that next step for me in my development in my career.
Champions Rovers were keen to bolster their defensive ranks following Joey O’Brien’s retirement - he is assistant manager at Shelbourne - over the close season.
Daniel Cleary was on the Hoops radar before he joined Scottish Premier League strugglers St Johnstone from Dundalk.
This is not the first time that Rovers have tried to sign Lyons and Bradley said: “Andy has a lot of attributes that we like and that we feel fit how we play.
“We tried to sign Andy a couple of years back and it didn’t quite come off. So we’re delighted to get him this time around because he fits our profile of player.
“When we had a conversation, it was pretty straightforward. Andy recognised that he wanted to be with a team that is winning and competing for things.
“It’s a chance to improve every aspect and we obviously represented that chance and that opportunity for him.
“We believe that there’s a lot of development in Andy. We know we can help him be a better player and we feel he can help us be a better team, so it works for both.”
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