Bohemians sign Douglas James-Taylor, Ryan O'Kane moves to Sligo Rovers on loan

Bohemians have signed English striker Douglas James-Taylor on a multi-year deal from Walsall.

The 23-year-old attacker spent the last 12 months on loan from Walsall at Drogheda United where he won the FAI Cup last season.

He joined Drogheda in July of last year, netting six goals in 14 league games last term and, crucially, scoring seven goals in five games, including a penalty in the final, in their march to cup glory.

Manager Alan Reynolds will be hoping that James-Taylor's goals can help them to a league push. They trail Shamrock Rovers by 11 points, albeit with two games in hand, but have a massively smaller goal difference.

Reynolds said: "This is a really exciting signing for the club. Dougie is an extremely talented player and our fans will be aware of the pedigree he will bring having seen the immediate impact he has had in the league over the past 12 months.

"He's one we have kept an eye on for some time now, so we are delighted to get it over the line. He’s ideal for what we are looking for, he fits the age profile of players we are trying to bring to the club, and adds serious competition to the squad at that end of the pitch.

"I am confident that he will prove to be a really important player for the club and one that the fans really take to. We can't wait to get working with him."

James-Taylor is eager to get going with Bohs and linking up again Ross Tierney, a player he knows from his time in England.

"It's a pleasure to be here," he said. "I knew Ross Tierney from Walsall and he spoke so highly of the club, and I know from being in the league now for a year how big a club this is.

"It’s a massive opportunity for me to play for this club. I was nearing the end of my contract at Walsall, a few clubs began speaking to my agent and Bohs was the one that stood out for me.

"I can’t wait to get going. Bohs move the ball really well, they’re fit lads, and I think this is a good fit for me."

Elsewhere, Sligo Rovers have made their second loan signing in the last 24 hours with Shelbourne winger Ryan O'Kane joining for the rest of the season.

O’Kane, 21, is the fourth new addition to John Russell’s squad, after Seb Quirk, Paddy McClean and fellow loanee James McManus all agreed individual deals.

The Dundalk man began his career at Irish League side Warrenpoint and made his senior debut against Larne at just 15.

He spent four seasons with the Lilywhites before being snapped up by Premier Division champions Shels last November.

"I heard Rovers were interested at the start of June and I spoke to John Russell and was really excited about what he had to say and what his plans were", he said.

"Both for myself and the club. It was a no-brainer for me to come here.

"I’ve kept an eye on things here and I have been impressed with what I’ve seen. The football Rovers play suits me as it’s an attacking style. The fans can expect to see a lot of direct, attacking football when I get on the ball. I always want to take players on and get shots and crosses off when I can. I want to excite the supporters.

"We’re going to try and gain as much ground on the teams above us as possible. There are plenty of games and time left and of course we have the FAI Cup to look forward to in Dundalk in a few weeks."

Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.