Burke parting ways with Rovers
GRAHAM Burke will part company with Shamrock Rovers after the Hoops accepted an offer for the Dubliner from Championship outfit Preston North End.
The attacking midfielder, who has hit 12 goals in the league for Rovers so far this season, will play his last match for the Tallaght side away to Limerick tomorrow night (Friday).
Speaking to the Rovers club website about his move, Burke said: “It was brilliant to play for Shamrock Rovers, the biggest club in Ireland.
“I want to thank Stephen Bradley for bringing me here, for showing so much faith in me, letting me express myself and making me a better player.
“It’s been brilliant and it’s got me to where I am now. I think I’ve matured and grown in everything since I’ve been here. The journey has been unbelievable.
“It doesn’t happen, the international call up and everything, without the gaffer and everybody believing in me. I thank the club a lot for putting its time and trust in me and I thank the fans for supporting me,” he added.
Burke has proven instrumental on the pitch for Rovers since his arrival in February of last year scoring 22 goals in 48 appearances, three of those coming in Europa League competition.
“Graham is a special player that can change a game,” said Rovers Head Coach Stephen Bradley.
“I think he came to us a little bit broken, but he’s matured both on and off the pitch. Obviously he has the ability, but it’s his personality as well, his drive to be the best he can be.
“He’s put in a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes that people don’t see. He’s been excellent.
“It’s been an unbelievable journey so far for him and long may it continue. I’ve no doubt that Graham is the type of player who will go over there and shine. The higher the level he plays the better Graham will be,” he insisted.
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