Brighton manager Chris Hughton had half-confirmed it on Off The Ball last Wednesday when he used the phrase "we are aware of" in reference to Richie Towell, but this morning it was confirmed that the star of Dundalk's season is joining the Championship promotion chasers.
Former Republic of Ireland and Chelsea defender Paddy Mulligan believes "it's a good move" for the goalscoring midfielder who scored 25 times in the league for Dundalk this season as they achieved a back-to-back title triumph.
"I can see things going well for Richie," Paddy said on the Rewind podcast as he cited the influence of ex-Ireland defender Hughton and the club's soaring form.
"If he starts performing in January right through to the end of the season, who's to say that he wouldn't be on the plane for the Euros finals either."
But on the challenges before he can think of achieving that feat, Paddy says Towell first has to break into the Brighton as soon as he can.
"That's going to be a tall order for him as well but I've got every confidence that he's going to do very well over in England because he's got a great attitude and he's an extremely good player - a very intelligent footballer," he said.
Paddy also looked at the situation for Dundalk who will now have to find a way to replace Towell's considerable influence next season.
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