ABOVE: Aidan Keena, right, of Sligo Rovers celebrates with teammate Paddy Kirk after scoring his side’s goal during the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Bala Town at Park Hall in Oswestry, Wales last Thursday. Photo: Chris Fairweather/Sportsfile. RIGHT: Keena putting pen to paper on a new deal with Sligo Rovers with Rovers manager, John Russell.

Keena celebrates European outing with new contract

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ABOVE: Aidan Keena, right, of Sligo Rovers celebrates with teammate Paddy Kirk after scoring his side’s goal during the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Bala Town at Park Hall in Oswestry, Wales last Thursday. Photo: Chris Fairweather/Sportsfile. RIGHT: Keena putting pen to paper on a new deal with Sligo Rovers with Rovers manager, John Russell. Chris Fairweather / SPORTSFILE

Published: Wed 13 Jul 2022, 11:35 AM

Mullingar’s Aidan Keena has signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal which will see him stay at Sligo Rovers until at least the end of the 2024 season.

“Delighted to get this done!” striker Keena (23) said on Twitter after the club announced his new contract.

Rovers manager John Russell expressed his happiness at the news.

“I’m delighted that Aidan has committed himself to the club for the next two-and-a-half years. He has become a real fan’s favourite in a short space of time, so I’m sure the supporters will be excited by this contract extension,” he said.

“Aidan is a real talent. He’s one of the best finishers I’ve come across. He is currently the top scorer in the league bit it’s his all round game that is so impressive.

“He not only scores goals but creates chances for others and has a real willingness to work hard for the team. He’s enjoying his football and it’s up to him to now keep pushing and raising his levels.”

In the official club statement, Keena said that he was looking forward to getting down to work in helping Sligo get to the next level.

“I’m delighted to be at Sligo Rovers and I have really settled in well here in the town. My family enjoy it too and that’s important,” he said.

“I’m thrilled to sign a new deal today and look forward to what the future holds for the club.

“I’m looking forward to it and the next two-and-a-half years here.”

Former Mullingar Athletic man Keena was on the mark for Sligo Rovers again when the west of Ireland outfit travelled to Wales for a Europa Conference League second qualifying round first leg tie with Cymru Premier side Bala Town.

Visitors Sligo fell behind with just six gone, but on 28 minutes, Keena beautifully controlled a long pass from Karl O’Sullivan before lobbing Bala ‘keeper Alex Ramsay with his left foot to equalise.

Sligo closed out the first leg on top when Keena’s fellow attacker Max Mata fired a second half winner.

The previous week, Keena’s brace against Shelbourne put him on top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division scoring chance, and the goal against Bala Town was his 12th of the season in total.