The League of Ireland close-season has seen some impressive signings recently. With players like Conor Clifford and Paddy McCourt entering the league this season, some other potential recruitments could light up the Premier Division.
One of the major stumbling blocks for League of Ireland clubs in the past have been down to wage demands but signings of Damien Duff’s ilk have shown that some arrangements can be possible.
The following list of players features some individuals who could be a good fit for the league and may be available under certain circumstances.
Although wages would be the downfall of any of these potential moves, these players could add some spice and profile to the League of Ireland, which has attracted more high profile players this term.
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David Forde
Having been loaned out to Portsmouth by Millwall, the Ireland fan favourite could be approaching the end of his career in League 2.
Having played in the league for Derry City and Galway United, Forde would be welcomed home with open arms having starred for both clubs before his brief, but impressive, Ireland career.
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Aaron Doran
Having burst onto the scene as an exciting teenager in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers, Doran has been at Inverness Caledonian Thistle since 2011.
Once a key player for Cally, Doran now sees himself out of the team under ex-Shelbourne man Richie Foran. The Corkman is a pacy player who could benefit from a move back home.
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Leon Best
After being told that he would not play again for Ipswich by Mick McCarthy, the League of Ireland could be a suitable option for the journeyman.
Having played schoolboy football in Dublin, Best may fancy a return to play domestically in the country he represented seven times under Giovanni Trapattoni.
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Anthony Stokes
A man whose wage demands seemed to scupper a move to Poland but a move back to Ireland could be the best thing for Stokes.
Having been deemed surplus to requirements at Celtic, where he was prolific, Stokes flirted with the second tier of Scottish football and looks to be heading for the third tier in England. The League of Ireland would be no shame for a man who desperately needs to resurrect his career.
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Robbie Keane
Keane has been subject of much speculation since leaving LA Galaxy at the end of the Premier League season. One of the natural links was to Shamrock Rovers who are based in his hometown of Tallaght.
Although Keane seems to have distanced himself from a move to the Hoops, Damien Duff’s stint at the club would be a similar move for Keane, who is nearing the end of his career.
Nick Menezes, Pundit Arena
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