Galway United sign English keeper Charlie Burns from MK Dons

Galway United have announced the signing of goalkeeper Charlie Burns from MK Dons until the end of the 2017 season.

The 22-year-old English goalkeeper replaces Ciaran Nugent, who departed the club by mutual consent back in May, and will compete with Conor Winn for the number one shirt.

The 6'5 stopper is no stranger to Ireland having toured the country three times with the Dons in 2014, 2015 and 2016, making appearances against Drogheda United and Cabinteely.

The Croydon native came through the youth system at MK Dons and made his senior debut in a League Two game against Leyton Orient in 2014.

He spent time on loan with Cambridge City, Truro City and Hayes & Yeading United, who were managed at the time by former Shelbourne and Dundalk midfielder Garry Haylock.

He made four further first-team appearances for MK Dons in League One in 2016 before being released at the end of the 2016-17 season.

"I was impressed by the standard in training and in general, the professional set up at the club, so all around I think it's a great opportunity and a good club for me to be at,” Burns told the club's official website.

"I think I've learned as much as I can from training, now I'm at the age where I need to be out playing games and learning and gaining experience from match environments.

“Ho hopefully I can push Conor (Winn) as hard as possible and I can get some game time.

"I know I will need to be patient and wait for my opportunity, so I'll be working hard in training and as soon as I get my chance, I'll be ready to do my best for the club."

Galway manager Shane Keegan added: "You need to make sure you have two goalkeepers that you're 100% happy with and bringing in a player with the quality that Charlie possesses, having made four appearances in the Championship last year, we're more than adequately covered now.

"Charlie's attitude has been impressive, he works very hard and for a player who is coming into a new set up, his communication has been excellent from the very first moment he stepped out on to the training ground.

“That is important, especially when you're bringing a player in at this stage of the season. You can see that Charlie has been coached to a high level and he knows what he's talking about.

“He ticks a lot of boxes for us, Conor (Winn) has been good for us this year, but everybody needs competition to be at their best and Charlie will certainly provide that for us."

The club hope to receive international clearance for Burns in time to take his place in the squad to face Cork City at Turner's Cross on Friday (kick-off 7.45pm).