Soccer: Shamrock Rovers have confirmed defender Enda Stevens will sign for Aston Villa in January. Rovers have also been concentrating on bringing players in and have announced the signings of free agents Rohan Ricketts and Jim Paterson.
Stevens will remain at Talllaght Stadium unitl the New Year to play a part in the remainder of the season and their historic Europa League campaign, in which they will face Tottenham, Rubin Kazan and PAOL Salonika.
"I'm delighted that the two clubs have agreed terms and I would like to thank Alex McLeish for placing such faith in me," said Stevens today. "I have really enjoyed my time at Shamrock Rovers, and with Europa League football along with the run in to the league campaign still ahead, I can’t wait to be part of that before I leave for Aston Villa.
“I want to thank the board for everything they have done for me, and the manager Michael O'Neill, who has been a huge influence on my progress as a player. Shamrock Rovers is a great club and it has been fantastic to be part of such a successful period for the club. I hope we can repeat that before I finish at the end of the year.”
O'Neill has stressed the move is further proof of Rovers' progress and shows "how well regarded our players are outside of Ireland."
He added: "Enda deserves great credit for how he has improved his game and placed himself in a position that one of England's biggest clubs wanted to recruit him. I believe he will do very well, but the great news for us is that he will remain a Shamrock Rovers player until the end of this season.
“We have a great squad of players and have a lot of hard work between now and the end of the season. Enda being part of that is important for him and the club.”
Stevens will be in direct competition with former Liverpool full-back Stephen Warnock for a place in Villa's starting XIa nd will be linking up with Ireland internationals Richard Dunne, Shay Given and Ciaran Clark.
“We’ve been watching Enda and have been very impressed with his exploits in the League of Ireland and in Europe,” said McLeish. “He’s a young prospect, a boy with bags of potential and we’re excited about doing a deal which benefits us and Shamrock.”
Paterson and Ricketts will bring experience and excitement to the Rovers squad, according to O'Neill.
Ricketts (28), a former Spurs, Arsenal and Wolves player, will get the chance to face his old team in Europe, while Paterson (31) arrives having spent time at Dundee, Motherwell and Plymouth Argyle.
“We’re delighted to have added the two players to our squad, especially given the limited time period we had," O'Neill said. “Jim will add great experience having played over 300 games at SPL and Championship level, and can play in a number of positions.
“Rohan is a very exciting option and can add a little bit extra in the final third of the pitch. He has also played first team football at the highest level.”
