Former Wexford and Cork City defender Ryan Delaney joins Wimbledon on loan

Former Wexford and Cork City defender Ryan Delaney has joined English League One side Wimbledon from Rochdale on loan until January.

The 22-year-old has been a regular at Spotland since signing last January but has yet to make a senior appearance this season.

Wexford native Delaney has made 57 appearances for the Dale since making the move from Burton Albion but has fallen behind another ex-Cork player in Eoghan O’Connell in the pecking order.

Delaney spent the 2017 season on loan with the Rebel Army and helped John Caulfield’s side to a league and FAI Cup double in his only season.

He came through the ranks with local side Wexford Youths and impressed Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough enough to earn a permanent deal in 2016.

“Ryan has played two seasons with Rochdale and he knows the division,” said Wimbledon manager Wallie Downes.

“He’s left sided and we have a problem with Rod, who is out for 8-10 weeks. We do need some cover now that we are one short.

“If we are playing with three and we have an issue I can always go to four. He is just filling the space that Rod has vacated. Ryan played left-back against us last year, but he is a centre-back.

“He has proved himself at this level, Rochdale had a couple of tough decisions when they were involved in relegation battles and he played through them.

“He has just not been able to get in the side this year. Games are a priority for him and he needs to be trying to get into our team now."