WATERFORD FC HAVE bolstered their options with the mid-season acquisition of former Republic of Ireland youth international Tom Holland and highly-rated Limerick winger William Fitzgerald.
22-year-old Holland, who started his career at Manchester City before earning a two-year professional deal with Swansea City, joins the Premier Division club for the second half of the 2019 campaign.
He had spent the last two seasons with The New Saints and was nominated for the Welsh Premier League Young Player of the Year award after helping TNS to their eighth consecutive league title.
The Leeds-born midfielder, who qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather from Cavan, has been capped by the Boys in Green at U17 and U19 levels.
“I’m very happy to be here. I came here for a couple of days last week, spoke to Rennie [Alan Reynolds], did a bit of training and was really impressed with the setup here,” he said.
“It’s a really good group [of players] so I can’t wait to get started. I knew a little about the league and I was here watching last Friday [versus Bohs] so I was impressed with the standard of football.
“I was at TNS but decided to move on and I wanted something different. The standard in the Irish league is higher but I’ve played European football with TNS before too so I’m looking forward to pushing myself here now.”
Waterford boss Reynolds added: “We’re delighted to get Tom signed and sorted. He’s been training with us and he’s got quality to add to the players we have here already.
“He’s strong in the tackle and breaks up the game really well which is what I’m looking for. He’s a former underage international and has played European football so that’ll stand to him coming into the club.”
The Blues also secured the services of former Limerick forward Fitzgerald on Friday. The highly-rated winger has been much-sought-after following his departure from the Markets Field this month.
“I’m really happy to get everything sorted,” the Ireland U21 international said.
“It’s a great club and it’s clear over the past few seasons that there is a lot of good working going on to push it in the right direction. And I want to play my part in that.”
Waterford boss Reynolds said the 20-year-old was a welcome addition to the club’s forward line.
“I’m delighted to get Will signed up and I know he’ll be an excellent addition to the squad,” he said. “We’ve been looking for attacking players and he’s the kind who I think can excite the fans.”
Waterford, currently eighth in the Premier Division, face St Pat’s this evening.
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