St Patrick’s Athletic sign defender Kevin Toner from Aston Villa

St Patrick's Athletic have confirmed the signing of former youth international defender, Kevin Toner, who joins the club after five years at Aston Villa.

Toner, now 21 and from originally from Ashbourne in Co Meath , had a spell with Home Farm before moving to England where he initially progressed well. He made four first team Premier League appearances at the end of the 2015-16 season, coming on at half-time for Micah Richards to make his debut against Southampton on April 23rd and played 90 minutes in each of the games against Watford, Newcastle and Arsenal.

Despite the breakthrough he spent the following season at League One side Walsall and started this one at Stevenage. In all, he returns home with around 40 first-team appearances under his belt.

"Kevin proved himself at Aston Villa by making appearances at the highest level," said St Patrick's Athletic manager Liam Buckley. "He's one of a number of young talents in our squad and we believe he can develop as a footballer here and progress his career."

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Toner says that after having spent the last few years in England, this felt like the right move. “I got the call from Liam and after having a good chat I knew I wanted to sign for the club. Playing for Villa and a few clubs in England was a great experience, but having the opportunity to come back home and play football was something I wanted to do so I’m delighted to sign with the club.”

Toner’s arrival coincides with the confirmation that Jordi Balk, who impressed at Richmond Park over the second half of last season, has opted to return to Dutch club football in order, he says, to be closer to friends and family.

Balk says that St Patrick’s tried to keep him for next season but the 23-year-old has signed an 18 month deal with second division side Lienden.

Niclas Vemmelund, meanwhile, has joined Middlefart Boldklun of the Danish second division (third tier) after turning down offers from Dundalk and clubs in England and Scotland. Again, the 25 year-old had said he wants to be closer to his family.

Finn Harps have signed former Institute attacking midfielder Darren McFadden.