DANIEL KEARNS is looking forward to making his mark at Championship level in England after signing a three-year contract at with Peterborough United following a move from Dundalk.

The Republic of Ireland under-23 cap completed his move to London Road yesterday in a deal believed to be worth six figures to the Airtricity League club.

Belfast-born Kearns will wear the No 21 shirt with the Posh and paid tribute to his time with the Oriel Park outfit for getting his career back on track after he was released by West Ham a year ago.

“It has been a bit crazy, but I’m delighted that things have got sorted out and I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead," said Kearns.

“It’s a massive step for me. It’s a massive opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to it. And obviously I’m really looking forward to, hopefully, playing under Darren Ferguson, going in and getting a chance and showing him what I’m about.

"I’ve spoken to him a few times, just over the last week or so. He’s just all about football and he seemed really keen to get me in, so it’s obviously good from my point of view, feeling wanted by the club and the manager. I’m really looking forward to it now."

Kearns made 49 appearances for the Lilywhites and was a big fan favourite with his wing tricky. He played a leading role in their run to the Setanta Sports Cup Final earlier this year and scored a hat-trick against Linfield at Windsor Park at the beginning of the year.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with Dundalk. I’ve had a decent season this year and I have really liked it, coming in and playing. I think I’ve played nearly every game since I’ve been here and that’s all I wanted to do. It has stood me in good stead," he added.

"It has been brilliant since I’ve been here and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. Obviously, getting to know all the boys this year that weren’t here towards the end of last year has been brilliant, so I’m going to miss them all.

"Ian Foster did say to me when I came in that if anything did come up that he wouldn’t stand in my way, and, to be fair, he has kept his word and, like I say, I’m grateful for it. I can’t thank him enough, and Darius Kierans as well and the club, and what they have done for me.

"I’m delighted that things have happened; it has kicked on over the last couple of days and I just can’t wait to get going. It has been great here.

"The main thing for me was just coming back and playing games; that’s all I was sort of worried about, just getting back in football and playing in a first team regularly. I’ve come back here and I’ve done that.

"I think it has helped me improve as a player, playing the amount of games that we’ve played this year and getting my fitness levels up and obviously getting stronger as well with it. I’ve been delighted with the way things have developed over the last 10-12 months.”