Eoin Toal has become Bolton Wanderers' second Irish defensive signing of the past week when agreeing a three year contract.
The 23 year old Derry City star's expected move to the League One club followed The Trotters' swoop for UCD's Eric Yoro.
While Yoro is expected to initially feature for Bolton's under 23 team, manager Ian Evatt envisages the former Northern Ireland under 21 centre half pushing for a starting place when the new season kicks off on Saturday week.
“Eoin is a player with good attributes and we think he will fit into the way we play,” stated Evatt.
"It’s been well documented how in-depth we are with our recruitment process and how we identity position specifics in players and if their attributes fit how we want them to play.
“Eoin ticks all of those boxes. He’s a young player with a huge amount of experience – albeit in a different division.
"He's the captain of a top division team in Ireland who has played European football and who has vast attributes we feel we can improve on.
“We know he’s got good versatility and as coaches we feel we can still improve him and he will get time to settle."
Derry turned down Bolton's first offer for Toal - who arrived at The Brandywell in 2017 from Armagh United in the Irish League - but then accepted a second bid believed to be in the region of €100,00.
Toal quickly established himself in Kenny Shiels' side and went on to skipper the side , making 155 appearances and scoring six goals.
City boss Ruadhri Higgins paid tribute to Toal following his switch.
"On behalf of the management, players and staff at Derry City I want to put on record our thanks to Eoin for his service to the club” said Higgins.
“He has been an absolute pleasure to work with both as a player and a captain.
"I want to wish him every success at his new club and in his career going forward."
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