With the new season fast approaching clubs are busy trying to finalise their squads. Sligo Rovers were active again during the week as they added two to their ranks. First off they signed former St. Mirren striker Lewis Morrison who is still only 18. He had been on trial at the Showgrounds and impressed in the friendlies to date. He started his career with Kilmarnock and made his debut at 16 against Celtic. He has also represented Scotland at under-age level. It was the club’s other signing that caught the imagination of the public as they signed 34-year-old Brazilian midfielder Eduardo Pincelli. He began his career with Fluminense where he played alongside the legendary Romario. He also had spells in Colombia, Sweden, Italy and Cyprus where he spent the last nine seasons and was most recently with Ethnikos Achna. He becomes the first Brazilian player to play for the club and supporters are looking forward to seeing him in action. For me, it is very reminiscent of when the club signed former Cameroon International Joseph Ndo in 2010 and he turned out to be one of the greatest signings in the club’s history so no pressure Eduardo!
Shamrock Rovers also made a big splash last week as they signed former Republic of Ireland international Joey O’Brien, who had spells in the Premier League with Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United. Injury brought an end to his time with the Hammers and he was released in the Summer of 2016. He hasn’t played since as he recovered but was back training with Bolton in order to keep fit. He is from Tallaght and is a Shamrock Rovers supporter and is still only 31 and should have a lot of offer if he can stay injury free. It’s always a boost to have players like him come back to play in the league. Another international who has returned to play in Ireland is current U-21 star Danny Kane who was released early from his contract with Premier League side Huddersfield so that he could sign for Cork City. It’s a real coup for John Caulfield as Kane is still only 20 and is looking to play more first-team football in order to advance his career.
Finn Harps made a big signing as they look to bounce back after being relegated last season. They signed former Limerick and Cork City striker John O’Flynn. The experienced front man should be a real asset in the First Division for Ollie Horgan’s side. He also had spells in England with Barnet and Exeter. Another Limerick player set for a move is explosive winger Chiedozie Ogbene who is set to sign for Championship side Brentford, that move is expected to be completed before the end of the transfer window.