St Patrick's Athletic snap up full-back Simon Madden from Shamrock Rovers

St Patrick's Athletic have completed the signing of experienced right-back Simon Madden following his departure from Shamrock Rovers last month.

The Tallaght native had been widely expected to make the short trip across South Dublin after finding himself surprisingly surplus to the Hoops' requirements.

The 29-year-old's signing wraps up a busy couple of days for Liam Buckley's Saints after Ireland under-19 striker Thomas Byrne arrived from Drogheda United.

Defenders Lee Desmond and Michael Barker also signed new deals for 2018 as the Inchicore club look to regroup following a disappointing season that saw them avoid relegation on the final day.

The former Leeds United trainee Madden has had two separate spells with Shamrock Rovers and last season broke Derek Treacy's consecutive appearances record, reaching 123 before missing a tie in Galway due to personal commitments.

He had a second spell in England with Darlington under Steve Staunton before returning to the League of Ireland to play with Dundalk and Derry City, winning an FAI Cup medal with the latter.

"Signing Simon is a massive boost to us as he's a very strong defender," Liam Buckley told the club's official website. 

"He has huge experience having played in the league for over 8 years and that will rub off on the other lads in the squad. We need strong competition for places across the team and Simon will help raise standards as he is a top class pro.

"When we heard that Simon became available, it was a no-brainer to try and get him in and we're delighted to have him here at the club."

Madden's signature brings to nine players currently confirmed in the St Patrick's Athletic squad for 2018: Michael Barker, Ian Bermingham, Ryan Brennan, Conan Byrne, Thomas Byrne, Dean Clarke, Lee Desmond, Graham Kelly, Simon Madden.