LIMERICK HAVE OFFERED young Scottish footballer Jordan Moore a route back into the game as he makes his return from a serious illness.
The 22-year-old has signed for the SSE Airtricity League First Division side for the 2016 season after impressing during a short trial period with the club.
Moore was a free agent after being released by Dundee United in December. He spent six years at Tannadice but didn’t play a senior game after a battle with skin cancer.
The Glasgow-born forward was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer two years ago and was told by doctors he would have just 1% of resuming his playing career after treatment.
But he’s shown admirable bravery and determination to return to full health and will ply his trade in the League of Ireland during the forthcoming season.
He impressed Limerick boss Martin Russell during a recent pre-season friendly against Cork City and chairman Pat O’Sullivan was convinced after hearing his story.
“We’ve been on the lookout for a goalscoring forward for some time,” O’Sullivan told The42. “With our resources it’s difficult so when we heard of Jordan we were interested straight away.
“We asked him over to stay for a week and train with the lads and if Martin saw anything in him then we said we could help him out.”
Moore completed his medical and this evening is officially registered as a Limerick FC player. He will stay in the club’s new training facility at the former convent in Bruff.
“Jordan will be put on a one month programme with our strength and conditioning coach,” O’Sullivan continued. “We’ll monitor him closely and once he’s deemed fit to play a game, he’ll be straight into the first team.
“I hope it works out for him and we can help this young lad get back to football. And even if he moves on again then we can take satisfaction in helping him along the way.”
“There’s also the human element to it. We do a lot of work with young players and the community and we’d love to help Jordan.”
Moore was first brought to the attention of the club by scout Dave Crennell, who runs the Academy of Football.
Although he failed to break into the first-team at Dundee, Moore scored 11 goals during loan spells at Airdrieonians, Dunfermline Athletic and Queen’s Park.
He was presented with a PFA Scotland special merit award in recognition of his recovery from the disease and charity work at the end of last season.
Limerick are expected to announce his signing on Tuesday morning.
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