Damien Duff joins Shamrock Rovers: 'I left Ireland 20 years ago so now it’s great to be back''

Duff had been in contact with both St Patrick's Athletic and the Hoops in recent weeks but the Tallaght club are the side that have secured his services.

The two-time Premier League champion joins Pat Fenlon's side after a stint with Melbourne City in Australia.

Speaking about his move to the Hoops, Duff said: “I am very excited to have signed for the club. It’s great to have it all finalised and now I’m just really looking forward to getting back on the pitch. I am still out with a bit of an injury, but I should be ready to get back training fully before the end of the month. After that I will be very keen to get back playing regularly.

“I have always said that I wanted to come back and play in Ireland and I am very grateful to Pat and the club for giving me the chance to do that. Not only do I get the chance to come back and play, but I get to do it at the biggest club in the country.

“I am as excited about this move as I have been about any in my career, be that Newcastle, Chelsea or any other. I left Ireland 20 years ago to go and make a career as a footballer and so now it’s great to be back. And I am definitely not just here to see out my time as a player; I intend to make a positive contribution to Shamrock Rovers and to the league.”

Rovers thanked their sponsors, Pepper Ireland and Hyundai Ireland for helping to make the move possible.