Keena signs for Sligo Rovers

Mullingar’s Aidan Keena has signed for Sligo Rovers ahead of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division season.

The 22-year-old striker moves from the Scottish side Falkirk on a free transfer, and reunites with his former manager at St Patrick’s Athletic, Liam Buckley.

Speaking after his transferred was announced, the former Republic of Ireland U21 international said that he is looking to hit the ground running and help Sligo improve on last season’s third place finish.

“When the interest came I had worked with Liam Buckley before at St Patrick’s Athletic and I saw it as a good opportunity to come back to a good league and a good club,” Keena said.

“I’m here to score goals, that’s why the club brought me in so I’ll try to score as many as I can and play well and try to get as high up in the table as we can.

“The lads are in pre-season but I like to think I’m fit enough now. I’m halfway through the season. I will look to hit the ground running. I did have a couple of other options in Ireland but they didn’t have European football with them. That was a difference.”

Former Mullingar Athletic clubman Keena joined SPL side Hearts in 2017, and has since played for a number of Scottish clubs as well as English side Hartlepool, scoring some spectacular goals along the way and becoming a fan favourite at both Hearts and Falkirk.

His new manager Liam Buckley remarked: “Aidan will bring a lot to the group. As well as an ability to score goals he is an extremely hard worker and a good presence.

“He’s a smashing guy and comes to us at a very good time for both parties.

“Defenders will find it difficult against him and we’ll give him the platform to show what he’s about.”