Drogheda United have snapped up the Australian-born son of a local boxing hero.
Stevan Stanic-Floody’s dad Antonio Floody fought out of Holy Family Boxing Club in Drogheda and was an Irish champion.
A gold medalist at the Pan Celtic Games, he fought at top amateur level before moving to Australia, where son Stevan was born in Sydney.
Now back in Drogheda, the 19-year-old has put pen to paper with the Boynesiders.
“I’m buzzing at the moment. I’ve come here to play football and it’s great to get a chance with Drogheda,” said the winger.
“When I decided to leave Australia to follow my career, Ireland and Drogheda was my first step. I haven’t even managed to meet many of my cousins yet.
“Dad encouraged us to go into football, rather than boxing, but I know he was a great boxer, but he never says much about it.”
Stanic-Floody’s sister Mary is an underage international for Australia.
Meanwhile, Galway United have signed midfielder Bastien Héry on-loan from Finn Harps, while the Donegal men have snapped up former Grimsby goalkeeper James McKeown.
One-time Paris St Germain prospect Héry (30) has played in the League of Ireland for Limerick, Waterford, Bohemians and Derry City, as well as Belfast side Linfield.
The Madagascar international has struggled to nail down a starting spot in Ballybofey.
Harps have brought in experienced 32-year-old netminder McKeown to boost their bid to avoid relegation.
A former Coventry youth team player, he had spells at Peterborough, Kettering Town, Worcester City and Boston United, and Dutch side RKSV Leonidas.
He made over 500 appearances for Grimsby and played underage international football for Ireland.
“I’m just delighted to be here,” said McKeown. “I wanted a fresh challenge and start.
“I couldn’t have been made more welcome, but ultimately the job for us now is make sure we give everything and stay in this league and can’t wait for the challenge that lies ahead.”
Elsewhere, Derry City have added attacking midfielder Declan Glass to their squad - and the on-loan Dundee United man could make his debut tonight against Oliver Bond Celtic.
Glass (22) has been described by Derry boss Ruaidhri Higgins as “a very exciting young player”.
Higgins said: “He’s a very talented player and obviously with Matty (Smith) going out on loan it allows us to do a bit more business in the attacking areas.
“I’ve been speaking about this lad for months and the way we play will really suit him.”
“He’s very well thought of in Scottish football so I’m really happy with this piece of business.”
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