One of the Premier Division's most sought after players makes decision on his future

Shamrock Rovers are favourites to sign Ed McGinty after the highly-rated goalkeeper confirmed that he won't be extending his season-long loan spell with Sligo Rovers.

The Hoops had been contemplating a move for McGinty, who is contracted to Oxford United, ahead of their two-legged Europa Conference League play-off tie with Norwegian club Molde.

The 25-year-old came to prominence at Sligo and, after making 10 appearances for Oxford since his 2022 cross-channel move, was happy to return to the Showgrounds on loan last term.

READ MORE:Drogheda FAI Cup hero says goodbye to the club due to work commitments

READ MORE: Every single Premier Division player in the League of Ireland will be full-time next season

Rovers have depended on Leon Pohls between the posts since the retirement of Alan Mannus and, after a shaky first half of the season, the German stopper performed well in the ECL group stages.

But Hoops boss Stephen Bradley is keen to strengthen in the wake of Johnny Kenny's return to Celtic and Neil Farrugia's Barnsley move, and signing McGinty would be a strong first step in that process.

In a social media message, McGinty told Sligo fans: "It will always be a privilege to me and moving on is always difficult. "Last season was a pleasure to be a part of and I thank John Russell, Ryan Casey, Richard Brush and all my teammates for making it possible. Thank you to the fans and the community of Sligo who I will always love and support no matter what. Up the Bitored."

Interestingly, Molde have confirmed that they will face the Hoops' Dublin rivals St Patrick's Athletic in a friendly ahead of the play-off.

The Saints are heading to a training camp in Spain and will take on Molde on February 1 in Marbella. Ahead of the first leg of the play-off on February 13, Molde will also take on Hammarby IF.

Meanwhile, Waterford have snapped up a second goalkeeper in as many days after signing Brad Wade, who kept 20 clean sheets for Cork City as they claimed the First Division title last term.

Wade will battle it out with ex-Northern Ireland underage international Stephen McMullan, who has joined the Blues on loan from Fleetwood Town.

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.