Waterford sign former underage internationals Noe Baba and Dessie Hutchinson

Waterford have announced the double signing of former Ireland under-21 internationals Noe Baba and Dessie Hutchinson.

The midfielders both return from spells in England, Baba having departed Macclesfield United in the summer while Hutchinson was on the books with Brighton & Hove Albion.

21-year-old Baba, who was born in Cameroon and raised in Castlebar, captained Ireland through the age ranks and signed for Fulham at the age of 16.

After two years at Craven Cottage, he signed for Birmingham City, with whom he remained until getting his first senior football experience with Macclesfield in the season just finished.

“I’m very happy to join the club and get things sorted. I’ve been down around the squad and it feels like it’s a good fit for me,” Babe told the club’s official website.

“With the groud and the great training facilities, it was an easy decision. Add in the quality of the players that are in the squad and the work being done in training, I’m not at all surprised that the club is third in the league at the moment.

“The good season the club is having is reflected in the people around the club and I’ve enjoyed being here so far.

“I’m looking forward to getting on the pitch now and trying to keep the club moving in the right direction.”

Hutchinson, who is also 21, made his first-team bow for Brighton in a league cup defeat to Bournemouth in September.

The Waterford native impressed alongside fellow Déise man Jayson Molumby but was released at the end of the season.

Hutchinson said: “I want to enjoy my football and this is a great fit for me so I decided to stay in Waterford rather than go back across the water.

“It's my hometown club and to get the opportunity to play for Waterford FC is brilliant. The way Alan [Reynolds] has the team playing suits my style too so I'm delighted to join.

"It's a much different club than the one that was here when I moved to Brighton and I've been impressed so far.

“I've been in around the squad and I've seen the quality of the players that are at the club and I'm really excited to be involved.

“Players like Paul Keegan and Noel Hunt have been there and done it; their experience is invaluable and it'll be a big help to me.”

Manager Alan Reynolds added: We’ve made no secret that we’re looking to strengthen the side and both players are good additions to the squad.

“They’re both young players who’ll be looking to make an impact and that’s what I’m looking for.

“We want to bring the right kind of players to the club; Dessie is a local lad and it’s great to have him at his hometown club.

“Noe is a versatile player and he’ll offer us options as we look to continue our good season.”