SHAMROCK ROVERS HAVE signed former Ireland U21 international Simon Power.
The versatile 24-year-old has been lauded by Hoops head coach Stephen Bradley for his pace and power as well as an ability to operate centrally or off both flanks.
After joining Norwich City from UCD in 2018, the Wicklow native had loan spells with Dutch club Dordrecht, Ross County in Scotland, and two stints at English non-league outfit Kings Lynn before joining Harrogate Town in League Two in 2020.
With a minimum of four more European games to come, as well as aiming for a third Premier Division title in a row, Bradley expressed his delight at adding Power to the Rovers squad.
“He’s someone that we have known about and have been interested in for a long time. He’s got great strength and speed and can play all over midfield, centrally, on the right and left, and behind the front two as well also defensively. He has a directness that will certainly add to the squad.
“We’ve been in touch with him for a while now, and then we met Simon a few weeks back. He had other options in England on the table, but after speaking with him over that time we were able to convince him that this is the next step for him.
“Although we have a busy period ahead, we don’t just bring in players for that reason. We always try to add the right players, players that improve the group and Simon definitely adds to us with his attributes. We’ll all look forward to this busy period now, and we’ll try to keep everyone in the group fit and ready.”
Power was a member of Stephen Kenny’s Ireland U21 squad for the Toulon tournament in 2019, and he added: “I watched the European game last night and seen for myself the huge support in Tallaght Stadium and that has played a massive part in my decision to sign for Rovers.
“I grasped the opportunity to come home and play some European football as well as potentially get my hands on some silverware with Rovers. Altogether, it was a no-brainer to join Shamrock Rovers, I’m delighted that it has been all sorted and that I’m finally here.
I hope that my game will bring a lot of excitement to the matches, I’m a very attack-minded player. I’m a winger by trade, pacey and direct. I like to create chances and chip in with a goal or two.
“I’m a hard-working player who will always give 100%. Hopefully, I can get into the team as soon as possible and show the fans what I can do.”
Methinks, not treated the best by Potter.
From an Irish perspective first team football is crucial for Duffy. With Ben White being kept at Brighton, seen as they has turned down a 30 million bid you’d think he’ll be above Duffy in the pecking order.
I think the best move for Duffy now to get regular games might be a loan move to Celtic. I wouldnt like to see him in the Scottish league for more than one season though which is why i think a loan move is best.
Next summer then there might be better options for a permanent move.
@Gareth Ward: He’s too good to be playing in the Scottish league in my opinion. Definitely good enough to be playing for some premier league side
@Miguel Sanchez: Agreed but there doesn’t seem to be many decent interested teams in the premier league though
@Gareth Ward: doesn’t have to be a top prem team, even playing every week for one of the new boys would be better prep for Ireland games than playing for Celtic (particularly now they won’t be in champions league).
I’d say/hope he is holding out for an approach from prem knowing Celtic will snap the hand off him if he does go back to them.
(Not trying to have a pop at Celtic here, looking purely at what’s best for Ireland)
@Gareth Ward: West brom would suit
@Gareth Ward: either West Brom or an improving West Ham team would be a good move for him. I agree with the previous poster and he is far too good to play for Celtic. Personally I think he is a better defender than either Dunk or Webster and offers a threat from set pieces. He’s just coming into his prime now. He should definitely be able to stay in the premiership
@Ger: West ham look fairly solid at center back with ogbonna and diop. So its hard to see him breaking in there
@Ger: Well does Graham what ever his name is value your opinion?
Obviously not as he wants to off load Shane Duffy.
So realistically a loan season with Celtic could be good for all parties.
Duffy is a Celtic supporter and reports suggest he wants this loan move.
Shore up a porous Celtic defence by doing the business and who knows like Virgil Van Dijk before him becomes more than a sought after defender again
Meanwhile Brighton will be happy to sell if they get relegated – which is a distinct possibility.
QED.
I hope he join Celtic on loan so that he has a chance to win silverware especially aiming for the 10 in a row SPL titles!
@Mícheál Moran: Would the equivalent of a League One title satisfy a man with almost 100 premier league appearances? He has to be looking at staying in the top league or at the very least a decent championship team. He may as well move back to the Brandywell as traipse up to Glasgow.
@M:
Ah I know but if a Premiership club don’t snap him soon before the transfer window close then he should go to the SPL.
Crystal Palace should snap him up, mad he can’t get a game
Sometimes in football, you’re face does not fit with the manager, then it’s time to go. Duffy is too good not to be playing regularly
He’s a premier league centre half, to good for the championship ,one of the best in the air in the league , only 28 ,good age for a CB very surprised a top 6 club have not came in
Celtic really do need a few signings