GOALKEEPER LUKE DENNISON says he wants to help make Drogheda United “a force in the League of Ireland” after agreeing a new two-year contract.

The American has been a consistent performer for the Louth club since making his breakthrough last season, culminating in their 2-0 FAI Cup final win over Derry City.

Dennison, 29, has made 52 appearances for Drogheda and is aiming to add to that tally further in Europe next season.

Kevin Doherty’s side are currently sixth in the Premier Division, level on points with St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohemians who are above them in the table on goal difference.

“The staff and players have worked so hard to have us in a position of challenging for European places with seven games to go. That’s where I think this club deserves to be, and will be giving my all to help achieve the club’s goals,” Dennison said.

“I’ve spoken with Kevin about the goal and aspirations of this club going forward. Kevin has also been a great man and manager since I walked into this club, and I really enjoy working with him. I want to be the best goalkeeper in the country, challenging for cups, leagues and European places.”

“After speaking with Kevin, and understanding the aspirations of the club over the next couple of years, I hope to play a part in helping Drogheda take the next step in becoming a force in the League of Ireland Premier Division.”

Doherty, the Drogheda boss, hailed Dennison’s impact on and off the pitch since establishing himself as the No.1 “He has such a positive influence in the club and in the dressing room. For me, he has been one of the best goalkeepers in the country over the last year, and I’m delighted he’s extended with us.

“We love him, and he has been massive to our success so far on the pitch.”

Elsewhere, Cork City academy graduate Josh Fitzpatrick has also penned a new deal at Turner’s Cross.

The 20-year-old attacker has started to establish himself in the first team with 23 appearances so far this season and boss Ger Nash says “he embodies what we want to be.”

Fitzpatrick only signed his first professional contract ahead of the 2024 campaign and while the Leesiders are rooted to the bottom of the Premier Division he had no qualms about committing his future to his hometown club.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have signed a new contract. I’ve played a lot of minutes across the last two seasons and I’ve really been enjoying it. As someone who is from Cork, it’s an honour to be able to play at Turner’s Cross in front of the Cork City fans, and even better again to score into the Shed, so that’s something I want to do even more of,” he said.

Nash added: “I’ve said before he embodies what we want to be at City. He’s a local lad, that has come through the academy, and he fully understands what it means to play for this club, and what is expected of a player at this club.

“He’s exactly the type of character we want here, and as a young player, we see further development in his game.”