Dundalk have swooped for a third Welsh under-21 international on loan as midfielder Dan Williams has signed from Swansea until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old was rewarded with a new long term deal at the Liberty Stadium last week and will now kick on with his first stint in senior football.
New Lilywhites boss has also moved for veteran defender Mark Connolly on loan from Dundee United as he looks to build ahead of the new season.
The Monaghan native spent the past few months on loan in the Scottish second tier with Dunfermline Athletic and will see out his contract at Oriel Park.
“It was a huge decision for me to come home. It’s been almost 15 years since I went to England as a teenager and it’s a decision I didn’t take lightly,” says Connolly.
“Unfortunately, last year my father passed away and I wanted to be closer to my family but, as well as that, I believe I’m coming home to the right club.
“When I moved away, I always kept an eye on Dundalk. To me, it’s a club that has put League of Ireland football on the map with their results in the Europa League group stages.
“I wanted to be part of something exciting and I think that’s the case here. There’s a fresh slate.
“There are new faces and Stephen O’Donnell is trying to build a togetherness at the club. It’s the start of a new era and I really can’t wait to get going now.”
Williams, who has made two appearances for the Swans in the EFL Cup this year, has won six caps for Wales under-21s and scored once.
He will be in good company at Oriel Park following the signing of his under-21 teammates Nathan Shepperd and Joe Adams on loan from Brentford.
Williams says: “I spoke to Stephen and when I got off the phone I told my parents everything that he said to me.
“The next day, I asked them what they thought and they told me I should go to Dundalk because of my reaction after that phone call.
“They could see that I was buzzing. I went to sleep that night really happy with the conversation and what Stephen’s plans were for the season ahead.
“He told me he played in a similar position to me, as a six, and he wants me to do the same things as he did, get on the ball and start play.
“He didn’t tell me how good he was, though, so I’ll have to watch the videos and people will have to fill me in on that!”
O’Donnell adds: “We’re delighted to get Dan on board for the season ahead. He has only recently signed a new contract with Swansea which shows how much potential they can see in him.
“He is another Welsh under-21 international and has already played in the League Cup for Swansea this season.
“He was on the bench for their recent FAI Cup tie with Southampton so we are all looking forward to working with him and helping him develop.
“I think our fans will really take to him. He is an excellent footballer, really comfortable in possession and has a really good range of passing.
“He fits exactly into the style that we want to play at Dundalk.”
