Shamrock Rovers snap up former Sheffield United winger Joel Coustrain

Stephen Bradley has reinforced his first team at Shamrock Rovers with the capture of former Sheffield United player Joel Coulstrain on a one-year deal.

 

Coulstrain, 21, who is a winger by trade began his senior career at Bramall Lane with Sheffield United but left without making an appearance.

 

He made the switch to Raith Rovers in the Scottish Championship, where he appeared six time for the Stark’s Park faithful, cutting his initial two-year spell short in March 2017.

 

On his return to Ireland, Coulstrain, who has underage international experience with the Republic of Ireland under-19s, has been playing for junior side Ballynanty Rovers in his native Limerick.

 

“I’m extremely happy to be here,” Coustrain told the Hoops' official website.

 



“It’s been a tough road the last few months, I was out of football after coming back from Raith Rovers. I tried to get as many games as possible under my belt (at junior level) so I would be ready if a team came in for me.

 

“I’m delighted to come back and hopefully hit the ground running. It was good to come in and get a pre-season game and it was a good display from the lads (against Corduff).

 

“Scotland was my first year in first team football. I thought I did well, I got offered a two-year contract and I was a bit unlucky with a new manager coming in. He changed up the side and I got side-lined. I said I would go home and try a new start.

 



Rovers' new recruit is excited by his new opportunity and is looking forward to lettng the Hoops faithful know who he is sooner rather than later.

 

“It’s a great set up here so I can’t wait to get started. It’s a young, energetic team and there’s a few older lads with experience. I think everyone is raring to go for the league this year.

 

“Not a lot of people know who I am, so I’d like to show the fans what I can do. I played left wing for the Ireland Under 19s but then I played a few games for Raith on the right.

 

“I like to come in on my left foot and try and get some goals. I feel like I could make an impact in this team and hopefully win trophies here.”

 

Bradley added: “I saw Joel play for Ireland at Tallaght a few years back and at that time I remember thinking that I liked the way he played. He was direct, he committed people and was really positive. And he’s quick.

 

“He’s always been in my mind since and come the end of last season he’s one that I looked back and thought – I’ll see how he’s getting on. I made a few phone calls on him and spoke to Joel himself around Christmas and invited him in.

 

“What he was like back then [for Ireland] is what he’s been like since he’s been in here. We’re delighted to get him in, he’s exactly what we need and the right fit for us.

 

“I don’t think there have been natural wingers here for a long time in terms of wingers that want to get at people, commit defenders and get crosses in the box. I think the fans will like him.”

 

Bradley is looking for his new winger to make a fast start to life at Tallaght Stadium and vindicate his faith in bringing him to the club.

 

“The type of player he is, on this pitch, a winger that commits people and is really positive in his mindset when he gets the ball, I think the fans will respond to that.

 

“He wants to prove that he’s a good player, you get that when you speak to him. It’s about him performing here now, bringing the qualities that drew us to him in the first place and impressing everyone.”