Patterson made his Northern Ireland debut against Albania

Northern Ireland striker Rory Patterson signed for League One-bound Plymouth Argyle on Saturday in a two-year deal.

The move comes just days after the 25-year-old joined Glentoran following a prolific season with Coleraine.

Patterson scored 41 goals for Coleraine last season and earned his first Northern Ireland cap in March.

"Although he needs to work hard to reach the required standard, he has the hunger and ability to succeed," said Pilgrims head coach Paul Mariner.

"Rory trained with us for three days in March and he just kept finding the net, whether it was right foot, left foot or his head," Mariner told the club website.

"You don't often find modern players who can do that."

Carling Premiership club Coleraine signed Patterson from Droylsden in June last year.

606: DEBATE Good luck to Patterson but then I want him to do well at Plymouth so he can then hopefully bag a few for Northern Ireland too yerman82

The former Rochdale forward also played for FC United, scoring 107 goals in 126 games for the club formed by Manchester United fans angered by the Glazers' takeover at Old Trafford.

Patterson signed a pre-contract agreement with Glentoran in January but he has left the east Belfast club without making an appearance.

Plymouth paid an undisclosed fee to Glentoran, who will also benefit from a sell-on clause on any future transfer and they have also negotiated a clause giving them first refusal on Patterson should he return to play football in the Irish League.

"Whilst we are obviously disappointed that we will not get to see Rory in a Glentoran shirt, the player made it very plain that he wanted the chance to pursue his dream of a full-time career in cross-channel football," said Glens chairman Aubry Ralph.

"The club felt it would be morally wrong to stand in his way of fulfilling that ambition.

"We have reached an agreement with Plymouth and we wish Rory every success with his move across the water.

"Rory wishes to place on the record his thanks to the club for facilitating the transfer to allow him to follow his dream."

The Strabane man's goalscoring exploits last season earned him the Carling Player of the Year award in the Irish League.

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