Bohs re-sign former Sunderland defender as three youths promoted

Bohemians' off-season recruitment continues apace with the news that former Sunderland defender Dan Casey has signed a new contract for 2018.

The 20-year-old is joined in signing a new deal by Jamie Hamilton, John Ross Wilson and Paddy Kirk, who have been promoted from the under-19s to the senior squad for the coming season.

Ireland under-19 international Casey joined the Gypsies last summer after impressing in a midseason friendly against FC United of Manchester following his release by Sunderland.

The former St Joseph's Boys defender had spent four years on Weirside at the Sunderland academy and played up to under-23 level at the Stadium of Light.

“I believe Dan has a big season ahead of him,” manager Keith Long told the club's official website.

“He’s played at right-back for Sunderland and Ireland as well but he’s a natural at centre-back.

“Young players will make mistakes but he will benefit from his four months in the league this year and I believe he will push on next season.

“Dan has the potential to go on and become one of the best young centre-backs in the league and he will benefit from having a full pre-season with us too.”

Winger Hamilton and defenders Wilson and Kirk were part of Graham Lawlor's under-19 National League-winning team last term.

All three players picked up experience in the EA Sports Cup and Leinster Senior Cup last year, while Hamilton and Wilson have each gone on to make their league debuts.

Hamilton made three league appearances during the season, scoring his first senior goal in the 3-0 win over Finn Harps on the final day, while Wilson made his league debut in the same game.

Long added: “We’ve good young players coming through at the club as is evident with the success of our U19s and U17s.

“It’s a big step up but they deserve to be rewarded for their efforts and to be given a chance at this level.

“We’ve also retained a number of the U19 team who are still eligible for that level next season, so we believe they can continue to improve.”

The quartet bring to 13 the number of players contracted at Dalymount Park in 2013 with Fuad Sule, Oscar Brennan, Warren O'Hora, Derek Pender, Dan Byrne, Rob Cornwall, Paddy Kavanagh, Shane Supple and Dinny Corcoran all signed up.