Mason Melia joins Lincoln on loan from Spurs

The 18-year-old arrives as his compatriot Jack Moylan officially signs for Cardiff City

ON THE MOVE: Ireland striker Mason Melia has joined Championship newcomers Lincoln City on a season-long loan. Pic: Robbie Stephenson/PA Wire.

Ireland striker Mason Melia has joined Championship newcomers Lincoln City on a season-long loan.

The 18-year-old arrives as his compatriot Jack Moylan has left to sign for Brian Barry-Murphy's Cardiff City.

Wicklow native Melia is one of the brightest young attacking talents to emerge from Ireland in recent years.

Strong, athletic, intelligent and clinical in front of goal, he has already shown his ability to perform in senior football.

He made his senior debut for St Patrick’s Athletic at just 15 years old before becoming the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history. His performances in the League of Ireland attracted interest from across Europe before Tottenham Hotspur completed his transfer - paying a record for a League of Ireland player.

He said: “I’m delighted to be here and get everything completed. Everyone I’ve met has been so welcoming, and I’m excited to get going in the Championship.

“The ambition of the club really stood out to me. Our first conversation was a bit mad because we were trying to work around all the different time zones while I was in Australia, but once we got everyone together the presentation was unbelievable.

“It played a huge part in my decision to come here because it showed me the club’s vision and what we can achieve together.

“It made me feel really wanted, which is important as a footballer. I came away from that meeting buzzing. My aim is to score goals, help the team in every way I can and contribute to a successful season for the club. I’m really excited for what’s ahead.”

Sporting director Jez George added: “Mason is a player that we knew about in the League of Ireland, playing under Stephen Kenny at Pats, and we first enquired to Tottenham about him in January. It has been well documented in the press that we beat up to 30 other clubs for his signature, and he is an exceptional talent who we feel can make a big impact for us in the Championship.

“He shows maturity beyond his years, physically and mentally, displaying all the traits we value out of possession, as well as moments of magic in the final third and a real instinct to score goals.

“This loan was delayed due to Mason being selected for Tottenham’s tour of Australia and he played 25 minutes against Sydney last week, so he is raring to go.

“I would also like to thank his agents and the staff at Tottenham for trusting us with the next stage of Mason’s development.”

And speaking about his move in other direction to Cardiff, Moylan told the club's official website: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here.

"It’s such a massive football club – in Ireland growing up, you watch Cardiff City as a Premier League club, so I’m absolutely over the moon to be here.

“There were a lot of factors. It’s such a big Club, such a nice city, and Brian [Barry-Murphy] has such a good reputation. The way he plays football, I think I’ll really enjoy it. I’ve watched the team a lot over the last year, and watched last weekend against Roma, and the football speaks for itself.

“Last year I played a lot in the ten and off the left for Lincoln - I naturally drift to that side. I think the shape here will really suit me, because it’s a footballing team who like to be versatile. When you’re playing with such a good team, surrounded by players who are on the same wavelength as you, it’s going to be really enjoyable.”