Gavin Bazunu joins Rochdale on loan

Former Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has joined Rochdale on loan from Manchester City.

Bazunu, who has trained regularly with the City first team moves to Rochdale in order to attain more first team experience.

Playing first team competitive matches won’t be anything new to the 18-year-old though, as he made several appearances under Stephen Bradley at Shamrock Rovers before moving to Manchester.

The Dubliner will be hoping that his loan spell can get him ready to compete with the likes of Ederson and Claudio Bravo for City’s number on jersey in years to come.

Speaking after the announcement, Bazunu admitted that he’s relishing the opportunity to play senior football once again.

“I’m delighted to be here,” Bazunu told rochdaleafc.co.uk..

“This is the opportunity that I have been looking for, so I’m hoping that I can do well and impress.

“I really enjoyed the first team football that I got at Shamrock Rovers and I just can’t wait to get back into it again. That’s where you gain experience and, how, I believe, you improve at the fastest rate, so I just can’t wait to get started.”

Rochdale boss Brain Barry-Murphy also spoke about Bazunu’s arrival, revealing that he was surprised at being able to sign the starlet.

“I’ve been very aware of Gavin since he first came on the scene back in Ireland as a 16-year-old. He blew us all away with his ability from that early age,” Murphy explained to rochdaelafc.co.uk.

“If I’m being honest, I never thought we’d get the chance to acquire him at our Club, but when I mentioned [in my last interview] about trying to be creative and adding to the squad with extremely talented players, then this is what I had I mind.”