Ireland U21 Connor O'Riordan out to take next step at Blackburn

Republic of Ireland Under-21 defender Connor O'Riordan is determined to take his career to the next level after completing a move from Crewe Alexandra to Blackbun Rovers.

O'Riordan has turned heads at Crewe in League Two, clocking up 27 appearances in all competitions.

In October, Scot Gemmill brought him into the Scottish Under-21s fold seemingly in the belief he was ready to switch allegiances.

However O'Riordan - born in Crewe - subsequently committed to Jim Crawford's Boys in Green, and he will now rub shoulders with international team-mate Andy Moran, who's on loan at Ewood Park from Brighton. Blackburn are 17th in the Championsip, 10 points off the play-off places.

"I've known of the interest for a while now and as soon as I heard about it, I knew that Rovers was the team I wanted to join," said the 20-year-old.

"It was something I wanted to be a part of and a club I wanted to play for.

"I met the manager and came to see the training ground. As soon as I did that, it was clear that Rovers was the club I wanted to join.

"It’s taken a little bit longer than all parties would have wanted, but now I’m here and I’m absolutely buzzing and can’t wait to get started,.

"It’s a massive club with a big fanbase, great facilities and an amazing history.

"I’m excited to finally be a Blackburn Rovers player and I hope the fans will enjoy watching me play."

Another Ireland Under-21 defender, Tayo Adaramola, has also made a switch to try and aid his progression.

The 20-year-old full-back has gone to Belgian top-flight outfit RWD Molenbeek on loan from Crystal Palace until the end of the season. Jake O'Brien had a spell at Molenbeek last year before moving to Lyon in France.

Full-back Adaramola played a couple of FA Cup game for Palace in 2022.