Sligo Rovers manager Dave Robertson has backed Mathew Stevens to make an impact in the League of Ireland after joining the Bit o' Red on loan from Peterborough United.
The 18-year-old striker, who counts Reading and Barnet among his former clubs, arrives at the Showgrounds on a temporary deal until July 1 and Robertson says that he brings "a fantastic pedigree" with him.
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"I am delighted that he has come here," the Sligo boss told the club's official website.
"He joins us with a fantastic pedigree. I have been tracking him for the last three or four years from his time at Reading and then with Barnet. I think he will be an exceptional signing and player for us.
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"One big thing is that Matty will have the physical capacity to play in the League of Ireland and to have an impact here. He has these skills and enough ability to be a success.
"He will make the jobs of defenders in the league very difficult."
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One player who won't be part of Robertson's squad in the coming season is goalkeeper Ciaran Nugent, who has signed for Galway United.
The 25-year-old will have competition for the number one jersey in the form of Conor Winn, who has penned a new deal with the club.
"The two players know they’re going to be fighting tooth and nail over pre-season to see which one of them can stick their hand up," said Galway manager Shane Keegan.
"Between the two of them, I think we’ve got two really strong goalkeepers, who will push one another all the way and hopefully we will be very good in that department this year."
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