LOI top scorer Max Mata departs Sligo Rovers for Shrewsbury Town

SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division joint-top goalscorer Max Mata looks has left Sligo Rovers to join English League 1 side Shrewsbury Town for an undisclosed fee.

Mata has scored 12 goals in 24 matches in his second season with the Bit O' Red, replacing the void left by last year's leading marksman Aidan Keena who departed for Cheltenham Town in January.

During his time with Sligo he has been recalled to the New Zealand international side, starting against China and appearing as a substitute against Sweden.

The 23-year-old scored against Motherwell in Sligo's Europa Conference League second round win last season.

It represents the third time the Bit O' Red have lost a leading marksman after Keena and Johnny Kenny (Celtic) in the last 18 months.

Shrewsbury boss Matt Taylor said: "Max was a player we've spoken about for the past three weeks and I went over to Ireland to watch him. We'd like to thank the chairman for facilitating that and Max's transfer over from Ireland.

"I was very impressed with what I saw. He has exceptional footballing intelligence, scores a variation of goals, is hungry to fulfill his potential and we fought off a host of other clubs to get him.

"I'm excited for the fans to see him in a Shrewsbury Town shirt. He is of course very talented but more importantly, he's the right type of person to fit within the group."

Mata said: "I'm very happy to be here.

"The fact they came and showed a lot of interest, and they made me feel comfortable through the process made me really excited and I've looking forward to coming to the club.

"Sligo is a place I will never forget with people who I will always hold dear to my heart, especially at Sligo Rovers. I know I will always have the Bit O' Red with me in my life."

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