Former Sligo Rovers youth Seamas Keogh signs first professional deal with Premier League Southampton

Former Sligo Rovers youth and Republic of Ireland under-17 captain Seamas Keogh has signed his first professional deal with English Premier League side Southampton.

The midfielder has made a strong impression since making the move from the Bit o’ Red just 12 months ago and will now have two more years to prove himself on the south coast.

Keogh led his country at the first-ever UEFA European Under-17 Championships in the Republic of Ireland earlier this summer but couldn’t help his side past the group stages.

He joins fellow Saints scholars Alex Jankewitz, Christian Norton and Caleb Watts in penning professional deals ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Keogh is one of a host of Irish players in the underage ranks at St Mary’s, with fellow under-17 international Roland Idowu also with the club’s under-18s.

Sean Brennan, Will Ferry, Aaron O’Driscoll, Will Smallbone and Cameron Ledwidge are in the under-23s, while Michael Obafemi recently joined Shane Long in the senior ranks.

"It's a feeling that I've dreamt of. For any young footballer, the main aim is to get a shot at playing first-team football,” Keogh told the club’s official website.

"There's plenty of young Irish players already at the club and they made it so easy for me to settle here. I want to continue enjoying my football and see where it takes me."