Sligo Rovers complete swoop for former Shelbourne and Dundalk ace

Jad Hakiki has sealed a move to Sligo Rovers from Dundalk, following their relegation to the First Division.

The recently capped Ireland Under-21 international had joined the Lilywhites during the summer from Shelbourne.

Bit O’Red boss John Russell is thrilled to land the attacking midfielder, 20, and told the club website: “Jad is a very exciting signing for us.

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“He’s a player who really caught my eye last season and has bags of ability. He’s able to carry the ball and beat players which is exactly the type of player we need.

“I want to sign players who will make the difference in the final third so Jad’s creativity will be a big asset for us.”

Hakiki - who feels No 10 is his best position - believes Sligo Rovers will be aiming for Europe again next season, and would love to win silverware.

“The manager rang me a while back to tell me he was interested and why Sligo Rovers would be a great choice for me,” he said..

“He gave some great insight into how he wants to do things and he spoke my language really. I had other options but my heart was always set on coming here.

“I can’t wait to get going now and be part of a really competitive team, hunting silverware and a European spot.”

Hakiki was a late call-up to Jim Crawford’s experimental Ireland U21 side for two friendlies against Sweden in Spain, starting one and coming off the bench in the other.

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