Sligo Rovers have announced that midfielder Richie Ryan has agreed to stay with the FAI Ford Cup winners.

 

Former youth international Ryan, 25, had an outstanding campaign with Paul Cook's side last year and had been linked with a move abroad.

The Tipperary native played a central role in the Bit O'Red lifting both the EA Sports Cup and FAI Ford Cup trophies in 2010 and will now be looking to build on Sligo's third place finish in the Airtricity League Premier Division last term.

Ryan was also named the 2010 PFAI Player of the Year in November. The former Belvedere schoolboy star started his career at Sunderland and had spells with Boston United, Scunthorpe and Belgian club Royal Antwerp. He joined Sligo Rovers in 2008.

"It great to sign. It's a relief as it has been a stressful time to be honest. I know what the club and Paul Cook and what we are about so I'm glad it's resolved," Ryan told sligorovers.com.

"Last season is in the past now. We've signed a lot of players from last season already and we have to start the hard work again to bring more trophies to the club."