Dundalk bring in ex-Boro midfielder Connor Malley

Dundalk have completed the signing of ex-Middlesbrough midfielder Connor Malley on a multi-year deal.

The 22-year-old is head coach Stephen O'Donnell's second signing ahead of the new SSE Airtricity League campaign. On Thursday they unveiled Gibraltar international defender Louie Annesley, who arrives from Blackburn Rovers.

Born in Hebburn, just outside Newcastle, Malley spent time at Sunderland and Newcastle's academy before moving to Middlesbrough to link up with their U-16 team. After impressing at underage level, he signed a three-year professional deal at the Riverside Stadium in the summer of 2019.

A loan spell at Ayr United followed before he returned to Boro and made four appearances for the club’s first team, including a man-of-the-match display against Rotherham United on his debut in May 2021.

Further loan spells at Carlisle United and Gateshead followed before he moved to Rochdale when his six-year stay at Middlesbrough came to an end in the summer. After signing a short-term deal with the League Two outfit, he made 14 appearances before leaving earlier this month.

"We had a look around [the club] for a couple of days and the facilities are fantastic," Malley told Dundalk's club website.

"He's a player who jumps out for his natural ability and I’m sure he’ll really get the fans excited."

"It seems to be a really welcoming place. The lads were really friendly and very good with me and my family so I'm really looking forward to getting started now.

"At my age, whatever move I made was going to be a big decision but after hearing what Stephen said and having a look around the club and the town, I feel like this could be a really good fit.

"I like to play in a team that keeps possession and gets the best aspects of my