Purcell commits to Hoops

Shamrock Rovers' striker Tadhg Purcell has signed a new, two-and-a-half-year contract that secures his future with the Hoops up to the end of the 2009 season.

"This is great news," said Rovers boss Pat Scully. "It shows that if you look after players and treat them well they're very happy to stay. Tadhg loves it at Rovers.

"He's got a terrific attitude. He works hard, he's eager to improve himself and he wants to be successful. That's why he's committed his future to Shamrock Rovers."

Purcell joined Rovers from Kilkenny City, when Pat Scully left the Cats for the Hoops at the end of 2005, and finished top scorer as Rovers romped to the First Division title in 2006.

The step up to the Premier Division clearly hasn't daunted Purcell, who's in his second spell at Rovers having played for their Under-21 side in 2003 when he was just 17.

He left Rovers to take up an offer of a one-year scholarship at UCD and then moved to Kilkenny City for the 2005 season where he linked-up with Pat Scully.

On Tuesday he scored a penalty against Waterford United to bring his 2007 league tally to nine goals - three behind current leading scorer, Cork City's Roy O'Donovan.

"I'm delighted to have agreed a new contract with Rovers," said the 21-year-old striker. "It's a great club with a super set-up and amazing fans. I'm here to stay.

"Pat has looked after me, and so has the club – I'm looking forward to repaying their confidence in me and want to win trophies at Shamrock Rovers."