Dundalk sign Gibraltar international Annesley

Dundalk have moved to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season with the signing of Gibraltar international Louie Annesley from Blackburn Rovers.

The 22-year-old, who has been capped 35 times by his country, has signed a multi-year contract at Oriel Park and is the Lilywhites' first new arrival ahead of the 2023 SSE Airtricity League of Ireland season.

Annesley became the first player to represent Gibraltar at every age group from U16 to senior level when he made his national team debut against Latvia in 2018.

He scored his first goal for Gibraltar in their 2-1 loss against Georgia in the UEFA Nations League last September and played in both of Gibraltar's Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland.

"Dundalk is a club I was aware of from the success they've had over the past decade and from playing in the Europa League group stages so when Stephen (O’Donnell) rang me, my ears pricked up straight away," Annesley told dundalkfc.com.

"The vision he sold me, aiming to win league titles and cups, and making real progress in Europe, is something that definitely appeals to me and everything added up to make it the perfect move for me at this stage of my career."

Gibraltar and Ireland have been drawn in the same group for the Euro 2024 qualifiers and Annesley said the head-to-head with the Boys In Green carried even more significance now that he is at Dundalk.

"It's going to be weird," he smiled. "I’m excited for those two games, especially now that I’m at Dundalk. Hopefully, I’ll have a couple of supporters in the Irish end!"

Elsewhere Finn Harps have announced the signing of goalkeeper Tim Hiemer. The 27 year old arrives at Finn Park on a two year deal subject to international clearance.

Hiemer, born and raised in