Shamrock Rovers head coach Stephen Bradley has finally got his man as the club today announced the signing of long term target Joel Coustrain.
The 21-year-old (turns 22 next week) signed a one-year deal with the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division club this afternoon but he is a player that Bradley has wanted to sign since spotting him in action for the Republic of Ireland at underage level.
"I saw Joel play for Ireland at Tallaght a few years back and at that time I remember thinking that I liked the way he played," said Bradley. "He was direct, he committed people and was really positive. And he's quick. He's always been in my mind since and come the end of last season he's one that I looked back and thought - I'll see how he's getting on. I made a few phonecalls on him and spoke to Joel himself around Christmas and invited him in."
Coustrain started his senior career with English club Sheffield United where he spent four years before moving to Scottish Championship club Raith Rovers in 2016 on a free transfer. He made six apprearances and looked to be making strides in Scotland but things stalled when Raith underwent a change of management.
"Scotland was my first year in first team football," revealed Coustrain. "I thought I did well, I got offered a two year contract and I was a bit unlucky with a new manager coming in. He changed up the side and I got sidelined. I said I would go home and try a new start."
He left Raith last March and returned to his native Limerick where he spent some time with Ballynanty Rovers before making the move to Tallaght Stadium.
"I'm extremely happy to be here. It's been a tough road the last few months, I was out of football after coming back from Raith Rovers. I tried to get as many games as possible under my belt (at junior level) so I would be ready if a team came in for me.
"It's a great set up here so I can't wait to get started. It's a young, energetic team and there's a few older lads with experience. I think everyone is raring to go for the league this year.
"Not a lot of people know who I am so I'd like to show the fans what I can do. I played left wing for the Ireland Under 19s but then I played a few games for Raith on the right, so I like to come in on my left foot and try and get some goals. I feel like I could make an impact in this team and hopefully win trophies here."
Bradley feels that Coustrain will bring another dimension to the Rovers team this season.
"What he was like back then (for Ireland) is what he's been like since he's been in here. We're delighted to get him in, he's exactly what we need and the right fit for us. I don't think there have been natural wingers here for a long time in terms of wingers that want to get at people, commit defenders and get crosses in the box. I think the fans will like him.
"The type of player he is, on this pitch, a winger that commits people and is really positive in his mindset when he gets the ball, I think the fans will respond to that. He wants to prove that he's a good player, you get that when you speak to him. It's about him performing here now, bringing the qualities that drew us to him in the first place and impressing everyone."
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