Town look set to confirm the signing of former Shelbourne winger Dylan Connolly on Wednesday.

As TWTD reported on Monday, the Blues have been waiting for paperwork relating to the deal to be rubber-stamped, while Connolly has been back in Ireland.

The 19-year-old’s former Shels team-mate Adam McDonnell has revealed that Connolly, who is understood to have agreed an 18-month contract, will be at the club on Wednesday.

McDonnell tweeted: “Buzzing for my bro signing for Ipswich few days ago! Can't wait to get back playing with him, see you tomorrow pal. @dconnolly_95.”

Connolly, who subsequently retweeted the message, and 17-year-old McDonnell, who signed on at Portman Road during the summer window, were two of three Shelbourne players to spend time on trial with Town during pre-season, featuring in the friendly at Braintree. Defender Ryan Robinson was the third.

In November, Town were reported to be ready to offer Connolly a deal during January but, according to reports last week, issues relating to the training compensation due to Home Farm and Bohemians, his clubs prior to his spell with Shelbourne, were holding up the move.

Under FIFA rules when a young player switches between national associations compensation is due to all the clubs who have trained him between the ages of 12 and 21.

Irish U21 international Connolly was a regular for Shelbourne’s first team as they finished second in the Airtricity League First Division (second tier) during the 2014 season, making 27 appearances and top scoring for the Dublin side with 12 goals.

He was named in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year and nominated for the PFAI Young Player of the Year award.

Meanwhile, McDonnell should know whether FIFA have finally given him clearance to play competitive games for the Blues in a fortnight's time. Otherwise the Irish U18 international will have to wait until May when he turns 18.

Speaking on Friday, manager Mick McCarthy, who would have included McDonnell in his first-team squad at Millwall, hit out at the midfielder’s continued unavailability, which is due to recently tightened FIFA rules aimed at protecting young players and their education. At 19, Connolly will not be affected by the same problem.

Photo: Action Images

grumpyblue1966 added 19:53 - Feb 3 To tell you the truth I'm not one bit excited about this young lad.this is not who we need
-22

Kirbmeister added 20:26 - Feb 3 Christ more doom and gloom even with news of a new signing - you never know he may actually be good but don't worry about that just fill this post with more negatives to go with the rest.
21

blueden60 added 20:44 - Feb 3 You certainly live down to your username dont you grumpyblue!!!
5

rfretwell added 21:23 - Feb 3 McDonnell must be impressing Mick to be included in the first team squad - at only 17. Who knows we may have another Teddy Bishop on our hands.
9

bluefeast added 21:59 - Feb 3 Have you guys seen the irish lads on man u books ,my god some of them are going to be total prem class ,either this lad has slipped through the net ,or deemed not good enough ,if he is in our 1st team squad great ,if he plays in our under 21s then i see no point in the signing at this juncture. We need a little more in terms of 1st tea squad as the tabbs and andersons are not up to anything other than div 1 ,despite the effort they clearly put in

-8

Vic added 22:06 - Feb 3 It's called squad building! One young player at a time. Well done Mick for getting him and let's hope he turns out to be as you as you hope.
13

spanishblue added 23:31 - Feb 3 They're probably the same people who said Ty Mings was no good, Christ give him a chance first, as a matter of fact where are our Millionaire Canaries,some way behind us where are we 3 points off the top. Case rests
9

Michael11 added 00:03 - Feb 4 I've said a few times on here about speaking to Jay Tabb after Forest away at the train station. He said Adam McDonnell is frighteningly talented and reckons he's every bit as good as Teddy Bishop. Hopefully one to look out for!
9

jeera added 03:03 - Feb 4 He reminds me of Davy Crockett...
1

BillBlue added 07:31 - Feb 4 GrumpyBlue (bet you are not half so grumpy as I am!) -We have been after this young man for a very long time and he has been watched and tested endlessly so I suggest you peg yor hat to his mast anf follow him because he may be one of those whom we are seeking to take us right back up to thr top! COYB and start fighting.
8

blueherts added 09:11 - Feb 4 This guy is CLASS .. trust me people ... worth the wait , the right price and very very talented
4

Razor added 10:21 - Feb 4 Lets hope we actually see him PLAY at some stage.
1

JWM added 13:13 - Feb 4 He needs to sort his hairstyle out!
1

ChestnutSe added 19:24 - Feb 4 Has he actually signed now Phil?
0

happybeingblue added 20:20 - Feb 4 Is this another Irish youngster we will never see play for the town .... He will go on loan and move on next season sigh
0

blueherts added 09:22 - Feb 5 Happy - I understand the comment - Jack Doherty etc - but this lad is special
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