Dennehy shuns cross-channel interest to stay at Shamrocks

KERRY native Billy Dennehy says he’s prepared to shun cross-channel interest to stay at Shamrock Rovers under new boss Stephen Kenny.

The winger finished top scorer during the Hoops epic campaign with 16 goals — including one in the Europa League group stages against pool victors PAOK at Tallaght Stadium.

Out of contract at Rovers since their 60-game campaign ended a fortnight ago, the Kerry native, 24, has already received two concrete offers to join either an English Championship or SPL outfit.

But the former Irish Under-21 international, who worked with Kenny for a short period at Derry City in 2008 before joining Cork City, insists he wants to re-sign for the Hoops and aid their three-in-row tilt.

He said: “The Europa League group stages gave me a taste of playing at a higher level than the Airtricity League and I’m delighted there’s been some clubs in the UK wanting to give me a new challenge.

“I’ve really enjoyed my two years at Shamrock Rovers, though, and winning back-to-back league titles as well as creating history in Europe have been my career highlights.

“It was disappointing to see the manager who brought me to Rovers, Michael O’Neill, finish up recently but the club have moved on.

“It’s nice to know that other clubs think enough of me to offer deals but I’d really like to stay around at Rovers if everything is right.”

Tallaght chiefs moved swiftly to thrash out new deals last week for Chris Turner, Stephen O’Donnell, Conor McCormack from last season’s squad, with Dennehy the latest title-winner set to commit.

“Rovers had approached me about a new contract before the season ended but I wanted to look at my options first,” revealed the Tralee man.

“With the season running from January 15, when we started back training, to the Spurs game two weeks ago, it was good to be back my family in Kerry relaxing for the Christmas.

“My intention is to stay at Rovers. The fans have been brilliant over the two years — especially supportive on our Europa League run — and I’d like to help push us for a third league title on the spin.”