Dundalk strengthen side with seven new players

Shelbourne youngsters Derek Pender and Alan Murphy have joined Dundalk on loan until the end of the season as part of a seven-man influx of players to the first division side.

Former Shels defender Jim Gannon, appointed manager at Oriel Park earlier this season, returned to Tolka Park on transfer deadline day to take U21 defender Pender and 21-year-old striker Alan Murphy on loan.

Gannon has also moved to strengthen his team further with the addition of five permanent signings, including 19-year-old former Derby County defender Christopher Deans, who joins from Dublin City.

Gannon told his club’s website, dundalkfc.com: "All of these players are on starter contracts until the end of the season.

"They are a bunch of young professionals with a terrific attitude and an appetite to play for the club. I am confident that we can build a team around them."

The Dundalk boss turned to hometown boys for the rest of his rebuilding with Ireland U19 goalkeeper Paul Murphy singing following his release by Leicester City, 25-year-old defender David Hoey returning to the club from Glenavon, Irish U17 midfielder Seamus McCabe coming home from Dublin side Cherry Orchard and former Leeds United trainee Gerry Breen also boosting the midfield.