Much Odu

Cliftonville Football Club are very pleased to announce the signing of David Odumosu on loan from St Patrick’s Athletic.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper began his career with Dundalk and was part of the Drogheda United side that won the Airtricity League First Division title in 2020, when his performances saw him nominated for the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Goalkeeper of the Year award.

A Republic of Ireland Under-20 international, who has also been a recent inclusion in Under-21 squads, Odumosu played Premier Division football for the Drogs before joining St Pat’s in 2021 and, prior to training at Solitude this evening, said: “I’m really pleased to be here and looking forward to getting started.

“It’s always exciting to explore new options and the chance to come to Cliftonville was something I was keen to do. Now that the deal is signed, I want to do my absolute best for my team-mates and the Club.”

Boss Jim Magilton explained: “David first came to my attention when he was with Dundalk and there was a general feeling around the Club that he should never have been allowed to leave.

“He’s since been at Drogheda and then St Pat’s, but I’ve kept tabs on him and, when the opportunity arose to bring him to Cliftonville, I spoke to St Pat’s Manager Jon Daly and he had nothing but good things to say about him.

“He’ll improve the competition in our goalkeeping department and that’s what you want any signing to do – raise the all-round quality because the competition he’ll provide to Nathan Gartside will be brilliant to get the best out of both of them.”

Magilton also confirmed loan deans for Declan Breen and Donal Rocks, who have joined Ballyclare Comrades and Ballymena United, respectively.

“Declan had a great season with Ballyclare last year and I know Stephen Small was delighted with him,” he said.

“He’ll go back down there to play regular football which will be great for his development, which is something we’re keeping a close eye on.

“In terms of Donal, going to Ballymena will let him play Premiership football on a regular basis. Jim Ervin and Stefan Seaton know him very well and I know they’ll look after him but, again, he’s another player whose development we’ll be watching closely.

“It’s been a busy night in terms of players going in and out but we’re still working away on other targets with a view to bringing them in. Every day, a new player or players get brought to my attention and there’s no shortage of potential arrivals out there, but it’s all about making sure we sign the right ones who, like David Odumosu, will improve the overall quality of our squad.”

All at Cliftonville also wish the very best of luck to young striker Calvin McCurry, who recently joined Ballyclare following a loan spell with the Dixon Park side.