IRISH DEFENDER RYAN Delaney has been snapped up by newly-promoted Championship side Burton Albion.
The 19-year-old, who can operate at left full-back and centre-half, was offered a two-year contract with the option of a third by manager Nigel Clough after impressing in two friendly matches while on trial from SSE Airtricity League club Wexford Youths.
Delaney joined Youths from New Ross Celtic and played for their U19s side before making the step up to the senior team in 2014.
He has been a regular for Shane Keegan’s side at left-back during their debut season in the Premier Division and also represented Carlow IT.
Speaking after today’s confirmation, Clough said: “He can play left-back or left centre-half. He’s only 19 and hasn’t yet played at a decent level but he does a lot of things naturally.
“He has not been in full-time training which means he’s been blowing a bit in the last 20 minutes of games but we think we can get him up to speed.”
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He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)