Stephen Kenny reckons ‘exceptional’ Zach Elbouzedi can be a standout signing for St Pat’s.

Elbouzedi made his Ireland Under-21 debut under Kenny and went on to win 13 caps at that age level.

And now the pair have been reunited on the back of this multi-year deal at Richmond Park.

Winger Elbouzedi, 26, previously played in the league with Waterford before joining Lincoln City in 2020.

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After 18 months at Lincoln, Elbouzedi moved to Swedish side AIK and he spent the second half of last season at Swindon Town.

Elbouzedi said: "I'm delighted. It's a massive club and Stephen being here was a massive factor in me coming to Pat's, I think it's an exciting time to be here.

“I played some of the best football of my career under Stephen. The style of football he plays and the confidence he instilled in you as a player is something I really enjoyed.”

Kenny is delighted to get the deal over the line and the new Saints boss said: "Zach is a high level player.

“He played 52 times for AIK in Sweden as well as spells in England with a number of different clubs.

“He's got exceptional pace, and gives real width on either flank and has a tremendous work ethic, athletically he's quite exceptional too.”

And Kenny added: “I feel he’s in the prime of his career, he's Dublin born so coming back to his home city to join St Patrick's Athletic is an exciting period for Zach.

“With the FAI Cup, Europe and big League matches to come and over a period of time I think he'll prove to be a really good signing."

Elbouzedi is awaiting international clearance and it is unclear if he will be available for Sunday’s FAI Cup clash away to Derry City.

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