Limerick sign midfielder Cian Coleman from Cobh Ramblers

Limerick have made their first signing of the off-season with the addition of midfielder Cian Coleman from Cobh Ramblers.

Coleman, who was a stand out player for Cork City’s under-19 side, is a highly-regarded prospect and he caught the eye down by the banks of the Lee, where he was part of two league-winning squads as well as captaining the side to the Enda McGuill Cup.

The Cork native – who will be 21 on New Year’s Day – made the short journey to First Division side Cobh at the beginning of this year in an order to gain valuable playing time.

He played a pivotal role as Cobh pushed eventual winners Waterford all the way in the SSE Airtricity First Division title race, netting four goals in 28 appearances.

He will join former teammate Chiedozie Ogbene at the Markets Field. Ogbene put in a number of eye-catching displays last season as the Blues emerged unscathed from a relegation dogfight.

“I’m delighted to have signed for Limerick,” Coleman told the club's official website.

“It was great to see the club come up and stay in the Premier Division with all the hard work that went in on and off the pitch.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of the Premier Division with Limerick and working hard for Neil, the coaching staff and everyone involved at Limerick FC.

“The day after the season ended I was contacted about Limerick’s interest in me, which is always nice to hear.

“There were clubs from abroad interested too, but when Neil called me, personally I was impressed by what he said, especially from such a respected coach and from a club like Limerick. It was an easy decision for me after that.”

Coleman has first hand experience of the prodigious talent of Ogbene, who won a legion of admirers on Shannonside with his all action attacking style of play.

He added: “Chiedozie ripped it up last season; it was great to see him progress and come straight out of the blocks when he came up here.

“I played with Chiedozie for two seasons at Cork City and when he came in we could all see he had it. I was personally delighted for him seeing him do so well here.

“He proved how valuable he was to the club and repaid the faith shown in him. My aim is to do the same and express myself on the pitch like Chiedozie did in his first season in the Premier Division.”

Coleman credits his short stint at Cobh as being fundamental to his upward trajectory this season.

“It was very beneficial playing a full season, playing every week and learning from two great coaches in Stephen Henderson and of course Stuart Ashton, who I obviously came through under at Cork City,” the 20-year-old said.

“We had a good season at Cobh and challenged right up to the end which was testament to the hard work we all put in right through the season in such a competitive division with all teams fighting for the one promotion spot.”

Asked what the Limerick FC faithful could expect from hism this season, Coleman observed:

“Being a League of Ireland fan myself, I know the fans expect and deserve hard work and dedication from every player that wears not only the jersey but the training kit.

“I know I’ll give 150 percent in every training session and sacrifice everything for the club when I put on the jersey.

“I’m known I suppose for never giving up and fighting for every ball. I believe in a never-say-die attitude and passion for winning, which is what I want to do at Limerick.

“I want to help the club to win and to challenge in every game. Firstly, of course, my aim is to get in the team and play consistently for Limerick FC.”

Coleman who has starred at the Markets Field before, where Cork defeated the local side Limerick in the under-19 League Final in December 2015.

“Obviously, the Under-19 Cup final two years ago was good,” he said. “I can’t wait, though, to step out there in a Limerick jersey.

“It’s a great place to play and I look forward to experiencing the atmosphere as a Limerick player.”

The former Everton AFC schoolboy is a versatile player and he can fill in at centre-half. Coleman captained Cork City's U-19 side against HJK Helsinki and AS Roma in the UEFA Youth League in 2016.

City manager John Caulfield was impressed enough to hand him his Premier Division debut in August 2015. He replaced Kevin O’Connor in a win over Saint Patrick’s Athletic at Turner’s Cross.