SHAMROCK ROVERS HAVE signed former Ireland U21 international Matt Healy from Belgian club Royal Francs Borains.
The Cork native joins Danny Grant and goalkeeper Ed McGinty as the Hoops’ third new recruit ahead of the 2025 season.
Healy, 22, spent five years on the books at Ipswich Town at both academy and senior level, though never made a first-team appearance, and returned to the League of Ireland twice for loan spells with his native Cork City in 2022 and 2023.
He moved to join Royal Francs Borains in Belgium’s second tier in the summer of 2023, but after coming into the final six months of his contract, has now agreed a multi-year deal with Rovers.
Hoops boss Stephen Bradley believes his new recruit has the versatility to play in the six, eight or ten roles.
“When we felt there was a possibility that we could get him home, we did everything possible to make it happen,” Bradley said.
“It took a lot of talk and convincing, but I’m delighted that Matt feels the next part of his development is at Rovers.
“At 22, he’s a brilliant age, he has really good attributes as a midfielder and has a brilliant attitude and good head on his shoulders.
“He’s focused, determined and ambitious, so he’ll fit a lot of what we do.”
Healy could make his first competitive appearance for Rovers in next month’s Uefa Conference League play-off round tie against Molde of Norway.
Credit to both of them I say.
Jamie heaslip must feel like a right tit after his comments in the week.
@Stuart: do you think the HIA’s and yellow card had nothing to do with the result?
@Stuart:
Heaslip is a right tit anyway
@Oran Burns: ah come on man , “the best team in the world” didn’t lose that because of a blip with the 6-2 split plan or a yellow card, they are to good to blame player positions or availability. Game was lost by a physically aggressive English attack and defensive line that didn’t allow Ireland play their natural game. Let’s add the underdog (written off) tag to England’s determination ..
@Stuart: I think feeling like a t!t is Heaslip’s default setting.
Conor Murray still playing like Joe Schmidt is coach in 2018 unfortunately
English coaching staff as well as the players did a job today. Out thought and out fought
When theirs chips to be pissed on who ya gonna call
@ETH: Sean o Brien. Here thats his thing
Thoughts on kick chase integrity?
@John Cleere: I think it’s an area where we are poor. Our high balls are never quite on the money consistently and our chase always lacks intent. I know this team plays more ball in hand but I don’t think that’s an excuse to neglect this important part of the game.
It seems simple – Ireland coaching and management need to understand why Ireland choke in the big games. They have an atrocious record in the RWC which is the only place world status can be defined!