Dundalk FC manager Seán McCaffrey is “really looking forward” to working with Derek Foran, while he also spoke fondly of Eoghan Osborne, after he secured the services of the defensive pair last Saturday.
Former Saint Patrick’s Athletic and Bray Wanderers centre-half, 22-year-old Foran (pictured above at his signing) arrived at Oriel Park following two seasons at Sligo Rovers.
While at Richmond Park, in August 2006, Foran was part of McCaffrey’s Republic of Ireland squad for a friendly against Malta as he assessed home-based players ahead of the UEFA European U19 Football Championship qualifiers.
The following February, the youngster was again called upon, this time for a friendly against the Netherlands.
“I capped Derek when he was playing youth football at St. Pat’s,” McCaffrey told dundalkfc.com. “He’s a good player; quick, strong and very good on the ball.
“He’s a good defender; he’s good in the air and a good tackler.
“He’s only 22, and I’m really looking forward to working with him. I think he’s a good signing.
“He won’t start pre-season for a couple of weeks. He has just got back from a problem with his adductor (groin), but it’s nothing too serious, so he could be back even sooner than that.”
And McCaffrey is not concerned that Foran has appeared in just 20 league games over the last two years.
“Derek was at Sligo and it was difficult for him to get in,” Seán said. “I’m not concerned about it.
“I’ve seen him play. I went down to watch him play in the PFAI game against Cliftonville and he was outstanding.
“And, apparently, over in the FIFPro Tournament in Norway he was one of the PFAI’s best players.”
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