Cork City's double-winning defender Ryan Delaney joins Rochdale

Former Wexford Youths and Cork City defender Ryan Delaney has sealed a move to English League One side Rochdale.

21-year-old Delaney won a league and cup double with City last season, as well as being named in the PFAI team of the year, but was deemed surplus to requirements by Albion boss Nigel Clough.

The Wexford native has spent the last 18 months with the Brewers following his move from Youths, including spending the 2017 season on loan at Turner's Cross.

City boss John Caulfield was keen to make a permanent move for the defender, who made 49 appearances in all competitions last year, but Delaney opted to remain in England.

“I wanted to come to a club that would help me progress even further,” Delaney told Rochdale's official website.

“I feel that, at this point in my career, Rochdale is going to be a good club to help me to do that/

“The last year has been very good for me and I enjoyed getting out playing football and getting regular games.

“I feel as though I’ve improved a lot over the last year, so hopefully I can keep on progressing.”

Struggling Dale sit second-from-bottom in League One, six points from safety, and are without a league win in eight games, since a 2-0 victory over Peterborough United in November.