Derry sign Ireland under-19 international Ronan Hale on loan from Birmingham City

Derry City have signed Ireland under-19 striker Ronan Hale from Birmingham City on a six-month loan ahead of the 2018 Premier Division season.

Hale joins brother Rory, who joined the Candystripes from Galway United last month, as one of Kenny Shield’s new additions ahead of the 2018 season.

The 19-year-old spoke of his delight at signing on Twitter, stating: “Very happy to finally get the deal done and sign on loan to Derry City FC.

“Looking forward to the challenge. Time to get back to enjoying my football and help the team.”

The Belfast native knows where the net is, having scored 28 goals in 23 competitive appearances in his first season with the under-21s at St Andrew's.

He then netted four goals from 16 appearances in his second season with the under-23s in the midlands.

Hale has appeared seven times for Ireland under-19s, scoring three goals along the way.

Alongside his brother he has connections to Derry City through his grandfather Danny Hale, who lined out at midfield for the Candystripes.

Danny finished as top scorer in the 1968/69 season in the Irish League and went on to spend three seasons at the Brandywell, scoring 100 goals along the way.