Shelbourne legend Wes Hoolohan signs short-term deal with West Brom

Former Republic of Ireland playmaker Wes Hoolohan has signed a short-term deal with English Championship side West Bromwich Albion until January.

The 36-year-old has an option to extend the deal in January should the initial four-month deal go to plan.

The former Shelbourne and Norwich City midfielder will be the only Republic of Ireland player in the first-team squad at the Hawthorns following the departure of James McClean for Stoke City.

Ireland under-21 defender Dara O'Shea is on loan with Exeter City until the end of January and may link up with the first-team squad upon his return.

“In the end, it wasn’t a difficult decision because Wes’s quality was there for all to see and he brings great experience and greater options to our group," said West Brom manager Darren Moore.

“We had a look at him over three or four days. He is a great pro and I think everyone knows the quality he possesses. He gives us more depth and fantastic experience.

“The agreement is short term but there is the potential for Wes to stay longer if things work out. I’m delighted to get him here.

“We’ve got seven games in 21 days in October and we are going to have to manage the squad to cope with the demands of that schedule. Every single player will be important to us.”

Hoolohan arrives at the Hawthorns after ten years with Norwich that took in two separate spells in the Premier League.

The former Belvedere youth began his senior career with Shelbourne before signing for Livingstone in 2004. He moving to Blackpool in 2007 before joining the Canaries a year later.



Dubliner Hoolahan appeared 43 times for Ireland during a nine-year international career, scoring three times, including the opening goal in Ireland's Euro 2016 draw with Sweden in Paris.