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Keith Ward signs for Derry City

The former Bohemians, Dundalk and Sligo Rovers midfielder is the newest arrival to the north-west club, joining after impressing on trial

Kenny Shiels is hopeful that Keith Ward can have a positive impact at the Brandywell after the former Sligo Rovers midielder joined Derry City ahead of the 2016 season.

The 25-year-old midfielder makes the move to the Candystripes after impressing during a trial and Shiels says that he is "glad" to have secured the player's services.

"Keith’s done very well since he came in. He’s a very intelligent player. He plays on the left side and I feel he has plenty to bring to the table. He’ll add a bit of experience to the squad as well which is good to have," Shiels told the club website.

"I was recommended a few names from the list of free agents, but Keith was the one that caught my eye and he was keen to come up as soon as he was contacted, so we’re glad he’s agreed to sign."

As well as Sligo Rovers, Ward counts Dundalk, UCD and Bohemians among his former clubs and Shiels admitted that his involvement in the first-team will be delayed until he gains the appropriate level of fitness.

“Obviously he’s arrived late into the pre-season training, so he might have a bit of catching up to do to the rest of the squad," said the former Kilmarnock manager.

"But he’s not far off and he’s been keeping himself fit, so he’ll be straight into training now and hopefully he can get up to speed and get going pretty soon."

Watch the 2016 SSE Airtricity League launch promo video

Football returns in the Republic of Ireland this March and supporters have been given a nice teaser by the SSE Airtricity League

The SSE Airtricity League gets under way in just nine days and our appetite has certainly been whetted.

Ahead of the big kick off on March 4, the league was launched at the Aviva Stadium with special guest Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill in attendance

Players, managers and officials from Irish clubs mingled with the media in Dublin as they gear up for the beginning of the new campaign

Goal will be bringing you in-depth coverage of the League of Ireland throughout the season and our excitement has been heightened by the league's launch video.

Watch the video below!