Ronan Boyce signs new three-and-a-half year deal with Derry

Derry City defender Ronan Boyce has put pen to paper on a new three-and-a-half year deal with the club.

Boyce had only recently signed his first professional contract in January – but he has impressed new boss Ruaidhri Higgins to earn himself a new extended deal at the club.

The 20-year-old, who’s birthday is today, made his first-team debut for the Candystripes in 2019 against Cork City.

Since making an appearance off the bench away to St Patrick’s Athletic earlier this season, Boyce has played seven league games on the spin.

“He has been brilliant since I came in the door and indeed in the couple of games before that as well,” Higgins said after Boyce signed a new contract at the club.

“This is something I wanted to do as soon as possible and I’m delighted we’ve come to a long-term agreement with Ronan.

“A lot of credit goes to Paddy and the Academy staff and all those past and present who have worked with him.

“He’s a dream to work with and sometimes you could give a young player a long-term contract and they could rest on their laurels a bit but that won’t be the case with Ronan- he just doesn’t have that in his make-up.

“This will only make him stronger and give him a platform to develop.”

The defender added: “I’m delighted to sign long term with the club and I want to repay their faith in me.

“I’ve felt good so far, but I know as well that I have to get better.

“It’s up to me to kick on now. I have plenty of very good players around me and I’m learning from them every day.

“Ruaidhri has set very high standards since he came in and that’s what we have to aim for.

“We want to be trying to win things at Derry City, but we are aware there is a lot of hard work ahead.”