Shamrock Rovers sign former Aston Villa and Charlton Athletic youngsters

Shamrock Rovers have announced the signing of former Republic of Ireland under-21 striker Graham Burke and English defender Sam Bone.

23-year-old Burke, a former Aston Villa trainee, arrives from Notts County, where he has spent the past season-and-a-half since leaving Villa Park after a brief loan spell the previous year.

The Dubliner made a total of 52 appearances for the Magpies, scoring five times, but has appeared just twice this season and was deemed surplus to requirements by new manager Kevin Nolan.

“Graham is a great one to have,” Rovers boss Stepen Bradley told the the Shamrock Rovers website.

“His ability as a player is second to none. He’s up there with the best. Speaking to him you can tell he’s very mature. I’ve watched him the last few years. He’s a very exciting talent and I am delighted to get him in.

“He just needs to work on his fitness. He’s a little behind but that was to be expected after not playing for a while. He’s raring to get going now. He has played European football with Aston Villa and spent some time with Notts County, so he’s coming in with a good deal of experience.

“He can play anywhere in the forward attacking role. He’s creative and different to what we already have here. He can create something out of nothing. He’s a really special player. 

“He can play anywhere and is very comfortable on the ball. Graham is a very impressive player and I know he will impress the fans at Tallaght Stadium.”

19-year-old Bone has been offered a permanent contract after impressing on trial in friendly wins over Lucan United, UCD and Leeds United under-23s.

The Malaysia-born defender, who can also play in midfield, was on the books at Charlton Athletic before his progress was derailed by a cancer diagnosis, of which he is now clear.

“I am delighted to get Sam in,” said Bradley. “He’s been in with us the past while and played a few games in which he impressed me and the coaching team.”

“He’s only 19 too so it means he can play for the under-19s as well as featuring in the senior side. He’ll be one of those players who will be massively important to us in the next few months.”
 

“He’s an open and honest lad who plays and sees the game well. He really fits in with the squad which is great to see because he’s been out with the illness for the past while. It is great for everyone involved to have Sam here.” 

Bone added: “Signing for Rovers is something I’ve wanted a lot since I got the chance to try out with the team in the past three weeks.

“I originally came in to build up my fitness and my agent said the club were interested in signing me. I knew from week one that I wanted to sign here, so I’m absolutely thrilled to sign for the club.

“The fans have been excellent with their support to me on Twitter – they were as delighted as I was. They have been great to me especially with the cancer and everything, so I really do want to thank them for being there and want to impress them this season.”

“I’m ready for the start of the campaign next season. I’m not sure if I’ll be involved or not as of yet but I’m raring to get going now.”

“It was definitely an amazing feeling being back out on the pitch, for sure. 

“I had to go home last week but I didn’t want to – I wanted to stay here in Ireland and with the lads because they’ve shown me so much support and made me feel so welcomed especially Brando [Miele] and Tomer [Chencinski] who have helped me out staying in Tallaght.”