Sligo Rovers sign ex-Shamrock Rovers striker Mikey Drennan until the end of the season

Sligo Rovers have completed the signing of former Shamrock Rovers and Aston Villa striker Mikey Drennan until the end of the season.

The Kilkenny native has been without a professional club since leaving the Hoops two years ago for personal reasons.

24-year-old Drennan spent five years in England with Aston Villa before returning to sign for Shamrock Rovers in 2015.

While playing with Evergreen in his hometown, Drennan had offers from League of Ireland clubs, including Bohemians, but opted not to commit to senior football until now.

"It has been with me for the last couple of years about returning to the league,” Drennan told the Bit o' Red's official website.

"It has come up a few times, but I wasn't 100% sure or ready to commit. I didn't want to disappoint anyone by not being able to give my all, or to waste anyone's time. I feel now I'm ready and this is a great fit for me.

"It's four months to take a fantastic chance to get back into league football and full-time football. I've had two years out of the progressional game and I'm delighted to be able to return today.

“There were other clubs speaking to me and it was flattering to have that, but as soon as I came up here I was made feel really welcome by everyone and it was the club I wanted to sign for.

"Ger (Lyttle) was brilliant, I can see why people speak about his man-management. All of the players really welcomed me in too as soon as I walked through the door so you can tell it's a good dressing room.

“I feel fit but I'll need a couple of weeks for sharpness and to get that bit extra fitness that comes with league matches.

"I've seen Sligo Rovers on Soccer Republic this season and they've been struggling for goals. I'd like to bring something to try to change that.

"It was a tough decision to go for it and return to football. After two years it was probably always going to be.

“But I feel I'm in a place to do it and I can't wait to put on the Sligo Rovers jersey, play in The Showgrounds and let's see what can come from it."

Manager Gerard Lyttle added: “I’ve been tracking him for a couple of weeks and there was interest from a couple of other clubs.

“We invited him up and he was able to play in the friendly last night. We made him the offer and it was signed this morning so I think that speaks volumes for both parties.

“Our club is perfect for him. I have a lot of respect for how Mikey has conducted himself. When he left Shamrock Rovers, he could have easily stayed there and ignored things, but he didn’t.

“He tackled things head on, he was open, he was brave when being so open, and we’re really thrilled he has chosen us to make his return to the league.”