Bohemians sign JJ Lunney from Pats and Romanian striker while Keith Ward signs a new deal

Bohemians have announced the signing of midfielder JJ Lunney from St Patrick's Athletic while Keith Ward has signed a new deal for 2018 with the Gypsies.

Promising under-19 midfielder Eoghan Morgan has also signed a new deal at Dalymount Park, while Romanian striker Cristian Magerusan has also received international clearance.

19-year-old Lunney signs following a breakthrough season with the Saints that saw him make 22 appearances as Liam Buckley's side avoided relegation on the final day.

The Dubliner signed for Pats from Preston North End midway through the 2016 season and established himself as a first-team regular in the most recent campaign.

“We tried to bring him in before but unfortunately JJ had already committed to St Pat’s,” Bohs manager Keith Long told the club's official website.

“He is a player who is going to give us great energy in midfield. He can play in the middle or on the wing and he’s a left-footer.

“He’s an excellent young player and is exactly the type of player we want to recruit to the club. He’s ambitious and we believe we can help him reach his potential at Dalymount Park.”

27-year-old Ward has signed back for a second season with Bohs following a season that saw him contribute five goals from midfield, including a stunning hat-trick away to Drogheda United.

The Dubliner had an earlier spell with the Gypsies during 2012 either side of two stints with Dundalk, and has also represented UCD, Sligo Rovers and Derry in a ten-year career.

Long said: “Wardy’s been great for us and we’re delighted to he’s committed again.

“He took a little while to settle back in but Wardy is the kind of player that when he plays well, the whole team tends to play well.”

19-year-old midfielder Morgan also returns for a second season in Phibsborough after joining from Shamrock Rovers ahead of the 2017 season.

He was part of Graham Lawlor's under-19 side that lifted the National League title in 2017 following a penalty shoot-out win over Cork City at Turner's Cross.

Magerusan is another player who's been on Keith Long's radar for some time following his goalscoring exploits with Leinster Senior League side Lucan United.

The 18-year-old was previously on the books with CFR Cluj in his native Romania, and also featured for the Arsenal Bistrita and the Hagi Academy.