Drogheda complete double swoop for Griffin and Kane

Drogheda United have increased their 2017 squad to 17 with the re-signing of forward Marc Griffin and the signing of left-back Conor Kane from St. Patrick’s Athletic.

Despite still being in the recovery stage of a long term injury, former Dundalk, Derry and Bohemians forward Griffin signed for Drogheda in December 2015.

The 25-year-old made his debut as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against Athlone midway through March and would go on to score four times in 28 appearances in 2016.

His first goal for Drogheda came in a 3-3 draw at home to Limerick, while perhaps his most important goal for the club was the opener in the 2-0 win away to Cobh Ramblers in the first leg of the First Division promotion play-off.

Drogheda manager Pete Mahon told the club's official website of his delight at signing a player who played a big role in the Louth side gaining promotion to the Premier Division.

“Marc finished the season in fine form and played a big part is us gaining promotion, as did the other players.

“He is fully recovered from his injury now and he is relishing the challenge of playing in the Premier Division once again."

The club have also completed the signing of 18-year-old left back Conor Kane from St. Patrick's Athletic.

Kane played for Pats' under-19 squad in 2016 and his performances there earned him a place in Tom Mohan's Ireland under-19 squad for two friendlies against Austria in September.

Kane started in the second of those friendly matches as Ireland beat Austria 3-1 and was also a member of Paul Doolin's Ireland under-18 side throughout 2015 and the beginning of 2016.

Mahon believes Kane is capable of making the step up to first team football as the defender looks to challenge Stephen Dunne at left-back.

“Conor is an Ireland underage international who has played with St Pat’s after coming through the Cherry Orchard set-up.

“He is a very promising left-back who is more than capable of making the step-up.”