Former FK Riga star Gints Freimanis believes he can succeed in the League of Ireland, having signed for St. Patrick's Athletic.

Freimanis becomes the latest Eastern European player to put down roots in the League of Ireland, following Cork City's capture of Robert Mezeckis and Guntars Silagailis.

Freimanis is already familiar with the League of Ireland after playing for RK Riga against Bohemians in the Intertoto Cup last season. He was on the same team as Mindaugas Kalonas, who later signed for Bohemians.

Having scored for St. Pat's in the recent 2-2 draw with Chelsea XI, Freimanis is hoping he can be a success in Ireland.

"I was here last year for training with Cork City but there was problems with my old club in Riga and they didn't let me go, so I lost the transfer window," he said. "I didn't play for six months and I'm very happy that I have signed here as it's really hard not playing."

He says that he enjoyed the match against Bohemians last season and is hoping that his spell in the League of Ireland can bring more to his game.

"They [Bohemians] played very physical football," he recalls. "When you are not physical here it is very hard to play. But I like the football, agressive fotball. European football is also a reason I came here because we play in the UEFA CUp. It's a very good opportunity to prove yourself in Europe."