Shamrock Rovers complete signing of former Celtic right-back Adam Matthews

33-year-old Matthews - a 14-cap Welsh international - joins having last played for Cypriot club Omonia FC.

New Shamrock Rovers signing Adam Matthews stands for a portrait during his unveiling at Tallaght Stadium. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Shamrock Rovers have completed the signing of former Celtic defender Adam Matthews.

33-year-old Matthews - a 14-cap Welsh international - joins having last played for Omonia FC, where he played under former Celtic boss Neil Lennon during a two-year stint at the Cypriot club.

“We’re absolutely delighted. He’s one we’ve been working on for a while now and had many conversations," Rovers boss Stephen Bradley said. "We are delighted to get Adam in, with the level he has played at. 

"Stephen McPhail had actually played with Adam, so we knew quite a lot about him. He will bring really valuable experience, and his ability on the pitch speaks for itself so we’re really looking forward to getting Adam in.

"In terms of the level he’s played at, we all know what you need to play at that level in terms of ability, so he’s obviously got that. Also, anyone you speak to, or worked with or played with Adam will tell you he’s a top-class professional. 

"He’s one we think is really important for the group. We’ve obviously signed some young players, so it’ll be nice to have that bit of experience and understanding around them. So, he’s one we think can help the group go to another level."

Having began his career at Cardiff City, Matthews went on to make his senior debut at the start of the 2009/10.

The right-back joined Celtic in the summer of 2011, making an impressive debut in a 1–0 win over Aberdeen, and his European debut came against Atletico Madrid in September of that year.

Adam went on to score five goals in 150 appearances for the Glasgow club in all competitions, in four seasons at Celtic Park, collecting four league medals and one Scottish Cup.

He then moved to Sunderland in the summer of 2015 but struggled to regain a place in the first team after suffering an ankle injury, spending one season on loan at Bristol City.

Matthews signed for Charlton Athletic in 2019, who were relegated to League One in 2020, making 89 appearances.