St Patrick's Athletic sign striker Glen McAuley from Liverpool

St Patrick’s Athletic have confirmed the signing of Republic of Ireland under-19 striker Glen McAuley following his release from Liverpool last month.

McAuley was one of three Irish players released by the Merseyside club – Conor Masterson has since joined Queen’s Park Rangers while Corey Whelan signed for Phoenix Rising in the US.

The 19-year-old has opted to continue his career closer to home, rejecting offers from England and other Premier Division clubs to sign an 18-month deal with the Saints.

The Tallaght native has spent the past three years at Melwood, working his way up to under-23 level, after joining from St Joseph’s Boys in 2016.

McAuley didn’t make the breakthrough to the first team at Anfield and hopes to kickstart his senior career back in Dublin.

“It feels great to be back home and playing for such a big club in Ireland,” McAuley told the Saints’ media team.

“I’m just looking forward to getting started and, hopefully my clearance will come through now, getting on the pitch and scoring goals and helping the team.

“At the moment for me, in my career, it’s best for me to be playing men’s football and get back happy playing football again.

“[Pats] are a very big club in Ireland and pushing for Europe, so hopefully I can come in and help us get to Europe by scoring goals and playing well for the team.

“The League of Ireland has progressed a lot over the years while I was away so I’m looking forward to getting back playing.”