St Patrick's Athletic sign former Ireland and Liverpool underage star O'Hanlon

St Patrick's Athletic have announced a trio of new signings, including the arrival of former Ireland under-19 international Alex O'Hanlon.

O'Hanlon has been a free agent since leaving Liverpool during the summer, and he joins former Bohemians striker Kurtis Byrne and goalkeeper Barry Murphy in the arrivals queue at Richmond Park.

“I'm delighted to add the three lads to our squad as we continue our preparations for the news season and our opening fixture against Bray,” Saints manager Liam Buckley told the club's website.

“We've retained a large amount of our squad from last season and coupled with our new signings and talented players from our underage sides. We're looking forward to the year ahead.”

20-year-old O'Hanlon signed a three-year contract with Liverpool as a 15-year-old after excelling in the same St Kevin's Boys age group at Manchester City's Jack Byrne.

However the Dubliner found opportunities limited at Anfield and he rejected a contract offer in 2015 in order to become a free agent, spending time on trial at Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town.

"Alex has an excellent left foot and will be a signing that our supporters can look forward to seeing in the colours of St Pat's,” manager Liam Buckley told the club's website.

“He has experience from being involved in the Liverpool set-up for five years and has played at underage level for Ireland so we're looking forward to see him feature throughout the 2017 season."

26-year-old Byrne arrives having spent a profitable 2016 campaign at Dalymount Park, where he finished as the club's top marksman with ten goals in 31 league appearances.

He bagged a hat trick against his former club Dundalk and two goals in the final against Wexford Youths as the Gypsies won the Leinster Senior Cup.

Byrne, the son of former Pat's player and Ireland international Paul Byrne, began his career with Hibernians and spent time at Ross County before joining Dundalk, with whom he won successive league titles.

"Kurtis Byrne is technically one of the best players in the league so to add him to our squad is a huge plus,” said Buckley.

“He is another player our supporters will know well as he has a reputation of scoring some superb goals over the past few seasons and we hope that he can continue that trend with us.”

31-year-old Murphy arrives for a second spell at Richmond Park having been twice crowned Shamrock Rovers' player of the season during his four-year stint in Tallaght.

Murphy began his career with the Hoops, winning a First Division title in 2007, and had spells with Bohemians and the Saints before returning to his former club in 2013.

Buckley added: "Barry will be a great signing for the club. We know Barry well from his time with us previously and it's great to have him back. He's a terrific keeper and will be a great addition to our group.”