Derry complete loan signing of Irish U21 Ollie O'Neill

Derry City have given themselves a major boost on the eve of the new SSE Airtricity League Premier Division campaign by completing the loan signing of winger Ollie O'Neill from Fulham.

The Republic of Ireland U-21 international will stay with the Candystripes until the summer.

O'Neill will go straight into the squad for Friday night's league opener against St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park, and manager Ruaidhri Higgins is excited to see what he can do.

"He's been eager to get out and get some first-team football and Fulham have kindly let him come to us, which we’re very grateful for," said Higgins.

"He’s very, very talented and what was very pleasing was he had done his research and knew a lot about us.

"He was a major influence in the move. He wanted to come here and wants to be a part of things here."

Derry are expected to really challenge Shamrock Rovers for the title this year.

As well as O'Neill, the FAI Cup holders have brought in Colm Whelan from UCD, Ben Doherty from Larne and ex-St Pat's midfielder Adam O'Reilly who signed from Preston North End.