Cork City sign English striker James Tilley on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion

Cork City have announced the signing of forward James Tilley on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 20-year-old will wear the number 22 shirt for John Caulfield’s side and he marked his debut with two goals in a 4-1 Munster Senior Cup defeat of Fermoy.

The move to Cork came about after Rebel Army boss John Caulfield watched him playing in an under-23 match for the English club.

“I was playing an Under 23 game and John was watching, so I found out afterwards that he was interested,” Tilley told the club’s website.

“I met him and spoke to him and it all sounded good, a club with big ambitions. I came in and trained for a few days and enjoyed it, so I am glad to have it all sorted out.”

Tilley outlined what he believes the differences are between playing under-23 football and senior football.

“The standard is definitely good. It is different to playing Under 23 football, it is a lot more physical, but it is a good standard and training has been good.

“I hope to bring goals and assists to the team. Now that it is done, I can relax and look to kick on ahead of the start of the league.

Caulfield added: “We are very happy. We have done a lot of work with Brighton over a number of weeks to get this over the line.

“James is a very exciting player with a smashing left foot, lots of pace, very creative and he can score goals.

“We have a lot of work to do to bed him into our system, but he is certainly a very exciting player.

“He has been at Brighton since the age of 12. He made a few first team appearances, but they are a Premier League side and it is very difficult to get game time in that division.

“We are hoping that his clearance will come through and that he will be able to make his debut on Sunday in the Munster Senior Cup.”

Caulfield also confirmed that defender Danny Kane, who had been on loan at AFC Fylde in England has left the club.

“Danny had been out on loan and he indicated to me that he wanted to move on and stay in England.

“He played a number of games last year and did very well, so we thank him for his time here and wish him well.”