Cork City sign 'exciting' Tobi Adebayo-Rowling from Sligo Rovers

Cork City look to have found the solution to their problematic right-back position with the signing of Tobi Adebayo-Rowling from Sligo Rovers.

Midfielders Steven Beattie, Conor McCormack and Jimmy Keohane have deputised in the full-back slot this season with some success as City romped to a league and cup double.

However manager John Caulfield prioritised the acquisition of a specialist right-back over the winter period and he believes he's found the man in London native Adebayo-Rowling.

His signing takes to 12 the number of players John Caulfield has signed from the Bit o' Red during his five years as City boss.

The 20-year-old has spent the past two seasons at the Showgrounds,after his former Peterborough United manager Dave Robertson made him one of his first signings as Sligo boss.

Linking up with the league champions was a simple decision for Adebayo-Rowling after two tough campaigns battling the threat of relegation with the Bit o' Red.

“When the opportunity came to come here, it was a no-brainer really,” the defender told City's official website.

“It is a massive club with a lot of support, and a great team when I have played against them in the past.

“The club didn’t need much selling; when I heard that the interest was there I didn’t think about going anywhere else. I am buzzing to play at Turner’s Cross as a home player in front of all of the fans.”

“I have never played European football before, so the chance to play in the Champion’s League is a massive opportunity.

“I know everyone here has the same mindset and that is that we want to go and win the league again.”

Caulfield added: “We are delighted to bring Tobi in. He is 21, can play in a number of positions and, after two seasons with Sligo, he has a quite a bit of experience for his age.

“He has great pace, he is a tremendous crosser of the ball and he will be a really good addition to our squad.

“The important thing for Tobi is to come in, kick on and fight for his place. He has tremendous qualities and he will find here that there is real determination to win trophies.

“He is going to be a very exciting player and I am looking forward to working with him.”

Adebayo-Rowling played youth football with Brighton & Hove Albion and Eastbourne Borough before signing youth terms with Peterborough in 2013.

When Robertson left his job as academy head to take over the first team, he brought Adebayo-Rowling with him and gave him his first-team debut on the opening day of the 2015-16 League One season.

He went on to make five senior appearances for the Posh before answering Robertson's call at Sligo Rovers.