Former St Francis schoolboy Jack Connolly signs first pro deal with Sunderland

Former St Francis schoolboy Jack Connolly has signed his first professional deal with English side Sunderland.

The Clondalkin native has spent the past two seasons with the Wearside club's under-18s and has impressed sufficiently to earn a senior deal.

18-year-old Connolly had initially signed a three-year development deal with the Black Cats but has been promoted a year early.

The defensive midfielder has represented his country up to under-16 level.