Shamrock Rovers have signed former Norwich City speedster Simon Power on a permanent deal.
The Wicklow man, 24, joined the Canaries from UCD in 2018 and had loan spells at Dutch side Dordrecht and Ross County and twice with non-league Kings Lynn Town.
And in 2020, Power joined League Two Harrogate Town where he scored three times in 34 competitive games.
He was also a member of Stephen Kenny’s Ireland Under-21 squad and featured in all five games of the Toulon Tournament in 2019.
But Power has returned to Ireland and is the Hoops first signing of the summer window, although Stephen Bradley is likely to add a defender as well owing to Roberto Lopes being sidelined for two months.
Rovers were keen to bolster their attacking ranks after losing Danny Mandroiu to Lincoln City on the cheap.
And boss Bradley said today: “Simon is someone that we have known about and have been interested in for a long time.
“He’s got great strength and speed and can play all over midfield, centrally, on the right and left, and behind the front two and also defensively.
“He has a directness that will certainly add to the squad.
"He had other options in England on the table, but after speaking with him we were able to convince him that this is the next step for him.
“Although we have a busy period ahead, we don’t just bring in players for that reason.
“We always try to add the right players, players that improve the group. Simon definitely adds to us with his attributes.”
Power was at last night’s Champions League win over Ludogorets and the new signing said: “I grasped the opportunity to come home.
“I want to play some European football and potentially get my hands on some silverware with Rovers.”
And Power added: “I hope that my game will bring a lot of excitement to the matches, I’m a very attack-minded player.
“I’m a winger by trade, pacey and direct. I like to create chances and chip in with a goal or two.”
Rovers boss Bradley is also considering adding a defensive signing to provide cover after Roberto Lopes was ruled out for two months with a medial knee ligament injury.
