Shamrock Rovers sign former Aston Villa striker and Charlton Athletic youngster

Shamrock Rovers have this afternoon announced the signing of two more players ahead the upcoming season – with Stephen Bradley recruiting 19-year-old Samuel Bone and highly-rated 23-year-old striker Graham Burke.

Graham Burke had a bright start to his professional career when he signed for Aston Villa back in 2011.

 

The Dubliner linked up with former Hoops, Mikey Drennan and Enda Stevens, while there and finished as top scorer in the 2012/2013 season of the Next-Gen series.

He was later released by Villa after a spell on loan at Notts County. He went on to sign a permanent deal at Meadow Lane and bagged five goals in 52 competitive games.

Meanwhile, Bone joins the club having overcome cancer last year, with the versatile teenager able to fill in at centre-back or in the min the middle of the park.

Speaking about the signings, Rovers boss Stephen Bradley said: “I am delighted to get Sam in, he’s been in with us the past while and played a few games in which he impressed me and the coaching team.
 
“It’s great for us and him, he’s only 19 too so it means he can play for the Under 19’s as well as featuring in the senior side. He’ll be one of those players who will be massively important to us in the next few months.
 
“He’s an open and honest lad who plays and sees the game well. He really fits in with the squad which is great to see because he’s been out with the illness for the past while. It is great for everyone involved to have Sam here.”
 
On signing Graham Burke, Bradley said: “Graham [Burke] is a great one to have, his ability as a player is second to none. He’s up there with the best, speaking to him you can tell he’s very mature. I’ve watched him the last few years, he’s a very exciting talent and I am delighted to get him in.
 
“He just needs to work on his fitness, he’s a little behind but that was to be expected after not playing for a while. He’s raring to get going now, he has played European football with Aston Villa and spent some time with Notts County, so he’s coming in with a good deal of experience.
 
“He can play anywhere in the forward attacking role, he’s creative and different to what we already have here. He can create something out of nothing, he’s a really special player.

He can play anywhere and is very comfortable on the ball too. Graham is a very impressive player and I know he will impress the fans at Tallaght Stadium.”

Rovers kick off their competitive season on February 24 when they travel to the home of the champions Dundalk.