Dempsey and Purcell have played against each other in Dublin derbies

Darlington have signed unattached Irish duo Tadgh Purcell and Gary Dempsey.

Striker Purcell, 24, spent the last four years with League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers, but left them by mutual consent in September.

Former Yeovil midfielder Dempsey, 28, has played for Aberdeen and Dunfermline in Scotland, and spent the last two years with St Patrick's in Dublin.

Manager Steve Staunton also hopes to tie up the signing of former Quakers midfielder Clark Keltie next week.

Dempsey was banned for five games in 2008 after betting on his side St Pat's to lose.

The signings are a boost for manager Steve Staunton, who has been forced to acquire loan signings to strengthen his squad.

And the former Republic of Ireland boss thinks their presence will add much needed stability to his squad.

"Tadhg is a strong boy. He's a grafter and a finisher, knows the game and is a good talker, and that's always good to have up front," he said.

"Gary brings more experience. He's played in Scotland and has been around a bit and he's a good, all-round midfielder. He can play, he puts his foot in and he knows the game.

"We're relying on players to come in and do the job straight away. We're hoping that they can, but the good things is they're our own players so there'll be no swapping and changing."

Darlington have not played since a 5-0 defeat by Torquay on 12 December and will not be playing this weekend.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version