Ciara Grant has become the first Republic of Ireland international in almost a century to pen a deal with Scottish Premiership side Rangers.
The midfielder has made the move to Scotland following an impressive year at Shelbourne which saw her pick up her third Women’s National League winner’s medal.
28-year-old Grant has signed a short-term deal with the Scottish Premier League leaders until the end of the season in the summer.
Grant, a qualified medical doctor, has spoken to Dublin Live before about her dream to play professionally and has now earned her first full-time deal in Glasgow.
The Letterkenny native saw her form rewarded with an international recall as she won her first cap in four years in November’s record 11-0 win over Georgia to cap off a dream year.
Grant had previously won two league titles and two FAI Cups with Raheny United before spending time with UCD Waves and Sion Swifts.
And she will become the first Republic of Ireland international to play for Rangers since Dubliner Alex Stevenson, who spent two years at Ibrox from 1932 to 1934.
Ireland underage internationals Jon Daly, now assistant manager at St Patrick’s Athletic, and Alan Smith were also on the books with the Glasgow club in recent years.
“I am absolutely delighted, I have had a good few weeks with the team before signing and the atmosphere is top class and I am really enjoying it,” Grant told the Rangers website.
“I am a creative central midfielder and I like to play box to box as well so I definitely think I can add something to the team and I can learn loads from the girls because there is a wealth of experience here.
“I have travelled a bit with football and I have seen some training centres and this is excellent.
“From the moment I came in and saw the pitches and the gym facilities, everything is top class and that is credit to the club.”
