Shelbourne aid title push with the signing of American midfielder Malinda Allen

Shelbourne have strengthened in their quest to wrest back the Women's National League title with the addition of American midfielder Malinda Allen.

24-year-old Allen debuted during Saturday's home with Limerick and marked her debut with a goal as the Reds ran out 4-1 winners.

The Memphis, Tennessee native has just completed a five-year collegiate career with Duke University in North Carolina, where she helped the club to the NCAA semi-finals.

The 6'0 tall midfielder helped Duke to top the NCAA Atlantic Coast Conference regular season but they fell at the penulatimate hurdle in the play-offs.

“Malinda is technically and tactically gifted and her in-game physicality and presence will only be positive for the team, where the fight for places continues,” said Shels manager Danny Crowley.

“I'm excited to see her play for us and I'm sure she will prove to be an excellent addition to our team.”

Shelbourne currently sit six points behind defending champions Wexford Youths in the league table with nine games left in the season.