Notts County goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks has agreed a loan move to League of Ireland Premier Division side Cork City until the end of the season. The Ireland U21 international made four league appearances for the Magpies last season.
The 20-year-old will be in Ireland until November with Cork deep into their season, currently sitting second-from-bottom in Ireland’s top division, also with the second-worst defensive record with 39 conceded from 22 games.
It will be a good test for the young Brooks who was behind the experienced Sam Slocombe and new arrival Aidan Stone in the goalkeeping pecking order, with the opportunity to gain some proper first-team experience in a challenging scenario.
Brooks said about the move: “The opportunity to go to a club at such a high level and fight for my place in the team is really exciting,” said Brooks. “I think it’s exactly what I need. I’ve played at Turner's Cross already and met a lot of the fans. It’s a passionate football city and I’m really looking forward to being a part of that.
“I think this will also be a big move for my own personal development. Experiencing a different culture will take me out of my comfort zone. Having been away with Ireland this summer, I feel sharp and ready to play.”
Brooks will be injected straight into the Cork squad, with the games coming thick and fast until the end of the domestic campaign in his native Ireland. The young Notts stopper has had some time with the Cork squad before clearance was gained and his move confirmed to get used to his new surroundings.
Cork Sporting Director Liam Buckley said: “Tiernan is an Irish underage international who will strengthen us in the goalkeeping department. It is important to have competition in every position, and Tiernan will give us that. He has been in with us since the weekend and he’s done very well. I am delighted to have him on board, and I am sure the Cork City fans will give him a great welcome.”
