Shamrock Rovers sign Damien Duff

Shamrock Rovers have signed former Republic of Ireland midfielder Damien Duff.

The former Fulham winger has agreed an 18-month contract for the League of Ireland club after a 12-month spell with Melbourne City in Australia.

The 36-year-old - who has played at Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle, Fulham and Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles - will join up with the squad for the remainder of this year and the 2016 season.

Duff said: "I am very excited to have signed for the club. It’s great to have it all finalised and now I’m just really looking forward to getting back on the pitch. I am still out with a bit of an injury, but I should be ready to get back training fully before the end of the month. After that I will be very keen to get back playing regularly.

"I have always said that I wanted to come back and play in Ireland and I am very grateful to Pat and the club for giving me the chance to do that. Not only do I get the chance to come back and play, but I get to do it at the biggest club in the country.

"I am as excited about this move as I have been about any in my career, be that Newcastle, Chelsea or any other. I left Ireland 20 years ago to go and make a career as a footballer and so now it’s great to be back.

"And I am definitely not just here to see out my time as a player; I intend to make a positive contribution to Shamrock Rovers and to the league."