Mahon finished last season on loan at Blackpool

Tranmere have completed the signing of midfielder Alan Mahon on a three-year deal, following his release by Burnley.

Mahon, 31, returns for his second spell at Prenton Park after previously making 144 appearances before moving to Sporting Lisbon in July 2000.

"It's always been home for me," Mahon told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"I've always lived on the Wirral. So to have to opportunity at this stage is beautiful and I'm really looking forward to the challenge."

"It doesn't get any better to be honest," Mahon added. "I never thought I'd get the opportunity to play here again - which is what I'd always hoped.

"But now that I have it, I'm really looking forward to it."

We'll get results and we mustn't be afraid of the opposition and just go and play Tranmere midfielder Alan Mohan

The twice-capped Republic of Ireland international believes the side can hold their own in League One next season despite having a smaller squad than most around them.

"I think sometimes it works better," he continued. "At Burnley last year I think we used the fewest amount of players and got promoted.

"I think if you've got a close-knit group of boys all pushing each other. I think that's the way forward, rather than having a big silly squad that you're chopping and changing.

"There is more camaraderie when the group is tighter."

Mahon hopes the side will be able to play the attractive type of football he knows the fans at Prenton Park wish to see.

"The gaffer [John Barnes] is looking to play football. We're looking to enjoy the games and enjoy the football," he said.

"We'll get results and we mustn't be afraid of the opposition and just go and play. The gaffer was a player once and what a player he was.

"He's bringing the same philosophies in - get the ball down and go and play and be comfortable on the ball."

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