Former Shamrock Rovers and Aston Villa full-back Enda Stevens signs for Sheffield United

Former Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick's Athletic and UCD full back Enda Stevens has signed a three-year deal with English Championship side Sheffield United.

 

The Dubliner, who was named in the League Two team of the year as Paul Cook's Portsmouth pipped Doncaster Rovers to the title, left Pompey on the expiry of his contract.

 

Stevens spent two successful years working under the former Sligo Rovers manager on the south coast but has taken the step up to enhance his international credentials.

 

"I'm delighted the paperwork has been done early,” Stevens told the Blades' official website.

 

“It gives me the chance to settle in and concentrate on my football as soon as we report back for pre-season training.

 



“I enjoyed working under the gaffer for a short spell at Northampton and how he plays the game is similar to the approach at Portsmouth so hopefully it will be a smooth transition."

 

United boss Chris Wilder added: "We had Enda at Northampton on loan and it was clear he needed to play regular football.

 

“He's done that over the last couple of years and picked up a few honours at Portsmouth.

 



“He is an attacking full-back and the way we play, the wide areas are important - Enda provides us with extra options.

 

“He is a good age and has designs to play international football."

 

26-year-old Stevens was a member of the Hoops side that qualified for the group stages of the Europa League in 2011, and his performances there caught the eye of Villa boss Alex McLeish.

 

He left Rovers at the beginning of 2012 to join then-Premier League side Aston Villa and made eight appearances at the top level under Paul Lambert.

 

However Stevens struggled to gain a regular place at Villa Park and, after loan spells with Doncaster, Notts County and Northampton Town he signed for Pompey in 2015.