Oxford United have signed Luke McNally from St. Patrick's Athletic.
The English League One side beat competition from three Scottish Premiership outfits to acquire the 21-year old's signature.
They've paid an undisclosed fee for McNally's services.
Having arrived from Drogheda United, McNally played just one full season at Pat's, but was an ever-present in Stephen O'Donnell's side during the 2020 campaign.
McNally has been handed the no.4 jersey at an Oxford side who currently sit 11th in the League One table.
"It’s exciting to be joining a club like Oxford," he said, "Especially with the run they are on at the moment.
"The facilities are great, I spoke with the manager and he was so impressive in the plans that this club has - that was a big part of my decision. I’ve come in, been made to feel very welcome and now I can’t wait to get started.”
McNally's hailed the "infectious personality" of manager Karl Robinson in his decision to sign on at the Kassam Stadium.
The U's manager told the club's website the first thing he said to the 6'3" centre-back was, "Shoulders back... walk like 6'4", act like 6'4", control yourself like a 6'4" centre-back."
"He's come through a different way," Robinson added, "So he's come through having to defend, playing men's football - amateur football [from] Drogheda to St. Pat's.
"We fought off three SPL [Scottish Premiership] clubs, and two clubs who are above us in our league now.
"He's one for the future as you can imagine.
"He’s raw, perhaps, but he’s another we feel will go on and do really well for the club.”
Liam Moggan | “The best coach of every coach is the player” | #OTBFuture
