Foley joins Bohemians

Ireland international Dominic Foley watched Bohemians' game against Levadia Tallinn from the stand at Dalymount Park last night…

Ireland international Dominic Foley watched Bohemians' game against Levadia Tallinn from the stand at Dalymount Park last night, less than 24 hours after completing his move to the Dublin club from Portuguese premier division outfit Braga.

The 28-year-old former Wolves striker, who was capped by Mick McCarthy, completed his switch to the Phibsborough club late on Monday night when he signed a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Foley had held talks with Shelbourne and Cork City in recent weeks after negotiating an early end to his contract in Portugal. In the end, he said, Stephen Kenny persuaded him he would best be served by a move to Bohemians, where he will link up with Glen Crowe, with whom he has played at club and underage international level.

"There's been a lot of talk in recent times about whether this club was serious about continuing down the road of full-time professionalism," said Kenny yesterday, "but I think that by signing a player of Dominic's calibre we've shown our commitment to making further progress during the years ahead.

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"He's somebody I've been in touch with for a long time. I almost signed him at the start of last year immediately after we won the league and I'm delighted he's finally coming here.

"Glen (Crowe) and Tony (Grant) have been excellent in recent games," Kenny continued, "but I think you can make an argument that our lack of height up front has been a problem at times in attack. Dominic will provide that, he can lead the line well and he'll add serious competition for places."

Foley could make the first-team squad as early as next week.

Bohemians are also considering a move for former Barnsley defender Brian O'Callaghan (23), though a final decision will be based largely on cost.

"He's a good player and we're aware he's available, but to be perfectly honest I'm not sure the money is there to sign him at the moment," said Kenny. "We'll just have to wait and see."

Meanwhile, Walsall have signed Mark Kinsella on a two-year contract after the Republic of Ireland international was released by West Brom.

Also in England, Tottenham denied yesterday making a new bid for Ireland and Nottingham Forest midfielder Andy Reid.

Forest announced on Monday they had received a new £3 million offer and knocked it back.

But a Tottenham spokesman said: "Andy Reid is a player we admire but we have not made an offer for him."

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone is Work Correspondent at The Irish Times