Waterford sign ex-Ireland under-21 keeper Ian McLoughlin

Waterford have made their final signing of the transfer window with the addition of Ian McLoughlin to their squad ahead of the start of the 2017 First Division season.

The 6'4” goalkeeper joins after being released at the end of the 2014/2015 season by MK Dons.

McLaughlin joined Ipswich Town from St. Francis in 2009 and spent periods on loan at Lowestoft Town and Stockport County before joining The Dons in July of 2011.

He made 26 appearances in his four years at Stadium MK, having two further loan spells at Walsall and Newport in the meantime before his release in 2015.

The shot stopper has been capped at every level up to under-21s for the Republic of Ireland, and featured heavily during the 2011 European under-21 Championship qualifying campaign.

He spoke on his move following his return from injury and his ambition to return to his family back in England.

“I’m happy to have this opportunity at Waterford this season,” he told his new club.

“I’m happy to be back playing and whilst I’m a little bit behind fitness wise, I’ll hopefully hit the ground running and will do whatever I can to help Waterford get promoted.

“I’ve been out for a while now and have my young family back in England so my long-term aim is to get back to where I was before the injury and push on to play at the highest level possible.

“I’ve had offers in England and Scotland but the timing of this move works for me. I’ve a chance to get a season under my belt now back home in Ireland.

“Ultimately I want to work my way back there but I want to help Waterford realise their ambitions this season and get the club promoted.”

McLaughlin follows Derek Daly, Jake Evans, Tom Smith and Kenny Browne in the door at the RSC on Deadline day as Pat Fenlon’s men look forward to the season opener against Athlone on Friday night.