Town are to sign 17-year-old Shelbourne midfielder Adam McDonnell, the Dublin-based club has announced. McDonnell was one of the three Shelbourne youngsters who featured in the friendly at Braintree during pre-season, having faced the Blues in their friendly in Dublin earlier in the summer.

Shelbourne say McDonnell, who has made seven appearances for their senior side this season, will join up with the Blues on Monday, when he is set to put pen to paper on what’s understood to be a two-year professional deal, although he will be an academy player.

McDonnell, who previously spent time at Playford Road last season, has won Irish caps at U16, U17 and Emerging Talent levels and recently had trials at Manchester United and Bolton, having also interested Peterborough United at one time.

The Dubliner joined Shelbourne from another local side Home Farm at 16 and both clubs will be due compensation now that he has joined the Blues.

Photo: Action Images

tractorgrl added 20:14 - Aug 30 I'm liking the sound of this lad, a future M Holland? Seems delighted to be coming here too.Welcome to ITFC Adam!
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 20:16 - Aug 30 At least we are looking at youngsters I suppose through this doom and gloom. But only teddy bishop is looking a realistic proposition from the academy so far. I think we all need that "we've got one" moment right now.
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rfretwell added 20:35 - Aug 30 Just to put Jimmyjimmy right, yes Town fans rightly are getting excited at Teddy Bishop's performances but dont forget Matt Clarke, another great prospect - he had an excellent game at Crawley. Big and strong even at his young age. Darren McQueen is starting to get a look in now in the first team squad as a speedy striker. Further back Andre Dozzell is now being included in the international squad for his age group. These things go in cycles, look at Southamptons production line in recent years. Towns cycle looks to be on the rise again.

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harlingblue added 02:24 - Aug 31 Agree with rfretwell, Matt Clarke looks a very good prospect, and I was told that the U18 side look really tasty this year.
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 11:29 - Aug 31 Rfretwell. Just to put you right. It is much too early to count our chickens. I'm talking about that stage where the player is established in the first team, knocking on the door of England u21 and prem scouts circling. Not yet there with any of them yet. But my point was meant to say that I am glad we are taking youth recruitment seriously. I'm surprised the comment was disagreed with. I agree Clarke and bishop look as likely as any of recent years.

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Superblue95 added 12:58 - Aug 31 Sounds good to me if we're poaching the better young players from the Irish league
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 15:32 - Aug 31 Welcome, Adam, and good luck!
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Michael11 added 20:23 - Aug 31 Where in midfield does he play? Hopefully turn out to be better than Doherty!
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Eireannach_gorm added 17:02 - Sep 1 This could work out really well as Adam is a great prospect. You never know what way things will go in professional football but he has a very good pedigree. I wish him all the best and hope he copes with this major change in his life. In answer to Michael11 he is much younger and is not a winger so he is completely different. If the club could develop a relationship directly with Home Farm rather than Shelbourne it would be even better. Best of luck to Adam

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