Republic of Ireland U19 international Shane O'Connor has signed his one-year deal with the club. The former Liverpool academy scholar was offered the contract after impressing in a trial.

O'Connor, who is set to play in this evening's friendly at Debenham, told the club site that he is fortunate to be joining the Blues: "I know I have been lucky in the way it has come about and now I've got to take advantage of it.

"The manager invited me down for three or four weeks on trial with obviously no promises.

"I trained with the first team as soon as I came over and that gave me a great lift. I got a couple of goals against Gorleston and then the manager offered me a contract and I was shocked to be honest - but thrilled.

"I was worried whether I was going to get offered anything and thought it might be my last chance. I didn't want to go back to Ireland and drift out of the game and maybe end up playing Sunday league, so I was really choked when the manager said he'd give me a year's contract.

"Now I've got a big year in front of me and obviously my target is to do enough in that time to stay here longer."

O'Connor, 19, played left midfield and up front in the friendly at Gorleston, then was used at left-back in the first team game at Waterford United.

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