Stephen McPhail signs new Shamrock Rovers deal

Former Republic of Ireland international Stephen McPhail has signed a new one-year contract with Shamrock Rovers.

The 35-year-old hoping to help the Dublin club challenge for both league and cup success under manager Pat Fenlon next season.

Fenlon, who is interested in signing transfer listed Derry City striker Rory Patterson, has also confirmed a deal with former Newcastle United youths midfielder Brandon Miele, while Tim Clancy is currently training with the club amid some doubt over the fitness, for the start of the new campaign, of Conor Kenna, who recently had a hip operation.

McPhail, though, says he is particularly looking forward to playing alongside Keith Fahey, who completed his move some weeks ago from St Patrick's Athletic.

“I’ve just played against him down the years,” he says. “It’s a great signing for us. He’s a big player in this league. I’m looking forward to it, it would be nice to get a good partnership going. He’s a quality player, we’ve had a few battles against each other down the years so it will be good to be on the same team.”