Drogs sign Senegalese star

Drogheda United Football Club announced today they have signed Senegalese striker Ibrahima Thiam Iyane, pending international clearance.

The centre-forward, who has been on trial with the club for the last few weeks, impressed in the recent friendly defeat to Wisla Krakow at the club's training base in Spain and has been rewarded with a permanent deal.

Thiam is a Senegalese Under 23 international, representing his country in the 2004 Olympic qualifiers. At 6' 6" in height, he provides a different kind of threat to the already terrifying United frontline. But Paul Doolin has stressed that even though he is "a giant", he's not just a big target man. "I was impressed with Ibrahima against Wisla Krakow. He's a giant, but he's very mobile too, and he adds something different to the team."

Ibrahima himself was happy to be signing for the club, saying "Everyone here has been very good, the players are all friendly and it is a good team. I'm looking forward to the new season with Drogheda United."

Ibrahima has officially signed and the club are now awaiting international clearance for the former Paris Saint Germain and Lens star to be available to play.

Drogheda United play their first competitive game of the 2008 season on Tuesday when they host Cliftonville in the opening match of the 2008 Setanta Sports Cup on Tuesday night [United Park, kick-off 8.05pm].