Shamrock Rovers have secured the signature of free agent Richie Ryan.

Ryan left Dundee United at the end of last season, having moved there after a three-year spell at Sligo Rovers.

The defending league champions were interested in bringing the midfielder back to the Showgrounds where he won two FAI Cups, but were beaten to it by the Tallaght side.

“I’m very happy to have signed and I’m excited to get started now,” said the 28-year-old. “I’m looking forward to training with the lads tomorrow (Thursday). I know quite a lot of them already and I know there’s a strong squad here with plenty of quality and I’m looking forward to joining in with that.

"Shamrock Rovers is a massive club in Irish football," added the Tipperary man, who has also had spells at Scunthorpe United, Royal Antwerp and Sunderland. "I've had success here (Ireland) before and I hope I can have more success in this new chapter."