Aidan Keena says he picked Sligo Rovers ahead of other League of Ireland clubs because European football was on the table.
The Bit O’Red have today completed a move for the striker who arrives from Falkirk, having previously played for manager Liam Buckley at St Pat’s.
Rovers were in the market for a new goal scorer after hot-shot Johnny Kenny was sold to Celtic earlier this month.
Keena, 22, joined Hearts from the Saints in 2017 and had loan spells with Queens Park and Dunfermline.
He made a permanent move to Hartlepool United in January 2020 but joined Falkirk later that summer.
But of his Showgrounds move, Keena said: “I’m very happy to be here and that the deal is done.
“When the interest came, I had worked with Liam Buckley before and I saw it as a good opportunity to come back to a good league and a good club.
“Most of the lads I played with at Under-19 level before I left are playing in the league now so that’s good to come back and see that.
“I did have a couple of other options in Ireland but they didn’t have European football and that was a difference.”
Keena added: “I’m here to score goals, that’s why the club brought me in, so I’ll try to score as many as I can.”
Bit O’Red boss Buckley - who had been linked with Padraig Amond earlier this month - feels Keena can make an immediate impression.
He said: “Aidan has been playing matches in Scotland as they are mid-season, he scored in back-to-back games over Christmas
“He’ll bring a lot to the group. As well as an ability to score goals he’s an extremely hard worker and a good presence.
“He’s a smashing guy and comes to us at a very good time for both parties. He has been on short-term loans which are never easy.
“Defenders will find it difficult against him and we’ll give him the platform to show what he’s about.”
Buckley this week saw star centre-back John Mahon join St Johnstone but intends bolstering his squad further before the start of the season.
