Former Celtic goalkeeper one of three youngsters to sign senior terms with Sligo

Sligo Rovers have handed first professional contracts to youngsters John Mahon, Jack Keaney and Ed McGinty as they confirmed their promotion to the senior ranks.

The trio have progressed through the club's impressive underage structure in the past couple of seasons.

The Bit o' Red have reached semi-finals in both the under-17 Mark Farren Cup and under-19 Enda McGuill Cup this season, beating Derry City to reach the final of the former.

And the progress of the teenagers hasn't gone unnoticed by manager Gerard Lyttle, who has rewarded the young prospects with their first senior deals.

17-year-old defender Mahon is a native of Collooney in Sligo. The Boyhood Bit o' Red fan signed for the club from local side Ballisodare United.

"It's something you dream about from a young age,” he told the club's official website.

“Football is all I ever really wanted to do, so to sign professionally with Rovers is literally a dream come true.

"Having played for both the Under-17 and under-19 teams I realise the importance of constantly improving your game.

“This is a huge step up, and it will be hard to make the breakthrough to the first team.”

18-year-old goalkeeper McGinty hails from Motherwell in Scotland and was involved with the youth teams at Celtic and Hibernian before upping sticks following an offer from Sligo last year.

McGinty's entire family has relocated to Sligo to support his development.

“I found it a bit difficult to settle when I first came over, but once the family came to live here it was much easier.

“I am thrilled to get this chance to become a full-time pro and I am young enough to learn and improve every day.

“My aim is to be ready to take my chance of a first team place whenever the opportunity arises.”

18-year-old midfielder Keaney is a native of Donegal town of Sligo stock, and like Mahon the club has been a part of his life from a young age.

“It's something you always dream of and to get the chance at such an early age is really massive. I will keep the head down, work hard and see where it takes me.

“Gerard Lyttle is the type of manager who is not afraid to give young players a chance so it's a matter of being ready when the chance comes.

“The senior players have taken us under their wings, which has been a huge help, so we really feel part and parcel of the set up. I'm determined to take this as far as possible.”