Shamrock Rovers sign highly-rated striker Michael Noonan from St Patrick's Athletic

DREAM MOVE@ Shamrock Rovers new signing Michael Noonan stands for a portrait during his unveiling at Roadstone Group Sports Club in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Shamrock Rovers have completed the signing of highly-rated striker Michael Noonan from St Patrick's Athletic.

The Republic of Ireland U17 international makes the move across Dublin after completing his medical on Monday and it is believed he has penned a two-year deal.

The 16-year-old made his league debut for Pats against Bohemians last October after scoring three goals and providing one assist in four appearances en route to landing the Leinster Senior Cup.

He became the Saints' youngest ever starter, aged 15 years and nine months, and had a trial with Manchester City before recently deciding to join his childhood club.

Noonan will be added to Rovers' UEFA Conference League squad for their games against Molde in the Conference League in February.

“I’ve watched Michael’s game and progress since he was virtually a baby, really," manager Stephen Bradley told the club's official website.

"I saw him play numerous times in Roadstone and followed his career since then. I tried to get Michael in last year, but it didn’t happen. When I knew he wanted to come to Rovers this time around, it was a no-brainer for us as a club.

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"Michael is one of the best young players in the country and, as well as producing our own, we got to recruit the best as well so Michael falls into that category. He’s a player I’ve watched for some time and he has real ability and a great attitude, so I’m delighted to get him in.

"I know he’s young in age, but we’ve signed Michael to be involved in the first team straight away, there’s no doubt about that.

"I feel he’s ready for that and we need to be careful how and when we put him in, but I’ve no doubt he’s ready to be part of the first team squad and I wouldn’t have signed him otherwise. He’s definitely one we can put into the squad now."

Noonan has already been linked with a transfer to Manchester City when he turns 18 but Bradley has backed to youngster to block out that 'noise' during his time with the Hoops.

“I think that’s irrelevant," continued Bradley.

"You look at most players when there’s talk of teams being after them, it’s all irrelevant in the bigger picture. When you get to know Michael, he’s just focused on being better and improving.

"I don’t think he’ll listen to any of the noise and anything from the outside is irrelevant. None of that noise is of interest to us, we’ve signed Michael to play for Rovers.”

Shamrock Rovers new signing Michael Noonan stands for a portrait during his unveiling at Roadstone Group Sports Club in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Noonan also spoke to the club website shortly after signing for the club he admits he has supported all his life.

“It’s an incredible feeling, personally and for my family," said Noonan.

"I grew up going to Rovers matches with my Dad and my Grandad, so I always wanted to play in Tallaght Stadium. So, now that I’m getting the chance to play there for Rovers is an incredible feeling.

“My grandad in particular is a huge Rovers fan. My Dad is too, but Grandad attends all Rovers home games and also games away in Europe. I did mascot once or twice. I was only about four or five so I can’t actually remember who walked me out!

"I just felt there’s a better opportunity at Rovers. St Pat's have been brilliant to me, but I just felt the next step in my career had a better opportunity and pathway at Rovers. I want to play and hopefully establish myself, so the opportunity was a lot more inviting to me.

“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a tough time to come into Rovers, but also very exciting. It’ll be my first time playing in Europe and I’m hoping to be in the squad for the Bohs game at the Aviva to experience playing there.

"It’s really exciting times ahead for Rovers and for me personally and hopefully we’ll get some success over those opening games and further ahead.”