Galway United sign defender Cian Murphy from Cork side St Mary's

Galway have completed the signing of defender Cian Murphy from Munster Senior League side St Mary’s.

The 22-year-old is a versatile defender, who primarily places as a centre-half but can also play at left-back.

Murphy previously played with Ringmahon Rangers for two seasons and won the Michael Ward Interprovincial Trophy with Munster in October.

 “Cian only joined us last week, but we’ve been scouting him for a while and monitoring his progress,” Galway manager Alan Murphy told the club’s official website.

“We have been looking for players with potential that would fit our system and philosophy, and Cian is definitely one of those.

“He’s an imposing figure, but very mobile and extremely comfortable on the ball, and has a cultured left foot.

“Cian has an excellent attitude in terms of the game and improvements that he can make, as well as a desire to make it as a League of Ireland footballer.

“Those will be important attributes for him this season, as he’s adamant that he needs to get a break somewhere and his willingness to make sacrifices in pursuit of that will be key.”

The manager also explained how the Tribesmen want to have players who have a pride in playing for Galway at the club.

He added: “We have to go back to basics, where players really want to play for the club and there’s a pride in playing for the club, and a personal pride to do well and better themselves.

“That’s just the starting point, but the importance of it cannot be understated.”