St Pat’s boys bound for England

ST PATRICK’S Athletic see two of their players set to continue their careers in England.

While goalkeeper, Josh Keeley has joined Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee, Darragh Burns has reportedly agreed personal terms with League One outfit, MK Dons.

Keeley joined St Pat’s Academy back in 2018 and helped the club to an Under 15 League and Cup double in his first season at Inchicore.

Lining out for Ireland at Under 16, 17 and 19 degree, he played his part in the Saints’ Under 17 League title win in 2019 before playing a key role in their Under 19 League success the following year and later making two appearances in last season’s UEFA Youth League against Red Star Belgrade.

He penned his first professional contract with St Pat’s in January and was part of the club’s FAI Cup-winning squad last season.

Delighted with the latest step in his career, he said “I’m absolutely over the moon to have signed for such a big club. It’s a very proud moment and a great achievement for me and my family.

“I’d like to thank everyone at St Pat’s for my time at the club. I’ve loved every minute from when I signed at Under 15s right up to the first team and I appreciate all of the work and effort that was put into my development.”

Burns, meanwhile, is poised to make his move to MK Dons with the winger expected to complete the deal this weekend.

It is reported that Pat’s will make some €200,000 from the transfer of the 19-year-old player who joined the club back in 2018 and also enjoyed Under 17 and 19 League of Ireland success before later penning a two-year deal with the Inchicore side in 2020.