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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Paul O'Hehir

Dundalk sign Hibs winger Steven Bradley on season long loan

Steven Bradley is using Jamie McGrath and Daryl Horgan as inspiration as he arrives at Dundalk on a season long loan from Hibs.

The winger, 19, only recently returned to the Edinburgh club after a loan stint at Scottish Championship side Ayr.

And Hibs boss Shaun Maloney then pitched him into action in a SPL defeat to Celtic a fortnight ago.

But Bradley has seen how Irish internationals McGrath and Horgan both played in the SPL after successful stays with Dundalk.

And ex-Shamrock Rovers defender Liam Scales and Sligo Rovers striker Johnny Kenny both joined Celtic from the League of Ireland.

So Bradley hopes his own spell in the League of Ireland can enhance his standing at Hibs where he only signed a fresh three-year deal in September.

Bradley said: “I’m really excited to be here. I wanted a new challenge and when Dundalk was brought up I really wanted to come here.

“I’ve obviously heard about the club and I know how well they’ve done in Europe over the past few years.

“And when I had a chat with the head coach (Stephen O’Donnell), he was really keen to get me in which helped me a lot and made my decision a lot easier.

“People like Daryl Horgan and Jamie McGrath have moved from here to Scotland and gone on to do very well over the last few months.

“We’ve seen boys from the League of Ireland get moves to Celtic and other clubs so it’s a good opportunity for me to show what I can do.”

Ahead of the new season, Lilywhites boss O’Donnell has bolstered his squad with a number of additions from outside the league.

Mark Connolly and Daniel Williams have also arrived on loan from Dundee United and Swansea City.

Wales Under-21 internationals Nathan Sheppered and Joe Adams signed permanent deals at Oriel Park.

But O’Donnell said: “Steven is a bit of a throwback to the wingers of the past and he will excite our fans and have them on the edge of their seat.

“He still has two-and-a-half years left on his Hibs deal, and they thought it was in his best interests to go out and get some games under his belt so we’re delighted.”

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