Sligo seal deal for a great Dane

The first six signings made by new boss Owen Heary all came from within the league but the seventh new arrival, Danish striker Morten Nielsen, comes to the Showgrounds with experience from England and the continent.

Now 24, Nielsen (pictured) was capped at underage level by Denmark and as a teenager he spent three years with Chelsea. He had spells with clubs in Sweden and Denmark and was most recently with German third-tier side Rot-Weiss Erfurt but he's now willing to try his luck in Ireland. And Rovers boss Heary is impressed with the forward's pedigree.

"He is a goal-scorer first and foremost. We have done our research with Gerry Cassidy and found a high calibre player. He has scored goals wherever he has been. He was at Chelsea for a few years when he was young training with players like Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka," says Heary.

"He comes with a good pedigree, his father was a Danish international. He's a young player who has a bit about him and is the sort of player we were looking for. There were a few clubs in Scotland looking to sign him so I'm delighted he has chosen to come to Rovers.

"I think he will be able to settle in quickly. He has played with Chelsea for a few years so he will be used to the culture and speaks very good English. He has played at a high level so hopefully he will be able to hit the ground running. I am very happy with the squad we have put together now."

Elsewhere in the league, James Chambers has signed a new deal with FAI Cup holders St Patrick's Athletic while Craig Walsh moves to Shelbourne from Bohemians.