Galway United sign Aston Villa midfielder Rory Hale

Galway United have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland under-21 midfielder Rory Hale from Aston Villa on a deal until the end of the season.

The Belfast native has spent the last four years with the English Championship club and captained their under-18 and under-23 sides but leaves without making the breakthrough to senior level.

20-year-old Hale is a grandson of the legendary former Dundalk and Derry City striker Danny Hale, while his brother Ronan is a prolific striker with Ireland under-19s and Birmingham City.

"I had a few other offers, but Shane seemed very confident in me as a player and the aim is to come in and help the club to stay in the league,” Hale said.

"I'm hoping I can work my way into the team straight away, I've done a few sessions with the lads already and I've kept my fitness and sharpness up.

"I'm looking to make an immediate impact at the club.”

Galway manager – who saw striker Vinny Faherty and defender Lee Grace leave the club on deadline day – will hope he can make an immediate impact with the likes of Gavan Holohan struck down with a vomiting bug.

He said: "Rory is a fantastic addition for us. He's a player coming from a high level.

"He's an out-and-out central midfielder, who is technical, gets about the pitch and is fond of a tackle. He'll add a real option and quality in the centre of the field and is also comfortable in a few other positions also.

"I would like to think he's a name that our supporters would be excited by. It's not often you get players of that quality, who are current Irish under-21 internationals, at such a vital juncture of a season.”

Hale has received international clearance and will join fellow new arrivals from the UK, Jonah Ayunga and Charlie Burns, in the matchday squad to face Finn Harps on Friday evening (kick-off 8pm).