NEW Accrington Stanley signing Seamus Conneely is determined to grasp the chance John Coleman has given him at the Store First Stadium.

Versatile Conneely has penned an 18 month deal with the Reds and could make his debut in Saturday’s League Two clash with Exeter City provided international clearance has been received.

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And the 26-year-old, who worked with Stanley chief Coleman at Sligo Rovers, has been training with Accrington for the past two weeks and is keen to force his way into the Reds starting XI.

The former Irish under 21 international, who spent time with Sheffield United earlier in his career without making a first team appearance, said: “It’s been good training here. I’ve really enjoyed it, getting to know the lads and finding my way around. Everyone has made me feel very welcome and I’m just looking forward to getting going now.

“I really enjoyed my time at Sligo and it’s just fortunate really that a manager who has taken a liking to me has got a job over here and given me the chance. It’s up to me now to take that chance.”

Coleman added: “He did well for us at Sligo. He can play in a lot of positions. He can play all along the back four and in midfield. It’s a player I know and he is a good addition to the squad.

“He was one we identified from Sligo. We had a number of good players at Sligo but some were tied up with contracts. Seamus has had experience playing in England and was keen to come back.

“He ticks all the boxes and he is an assured player and his experience will tell. I know what he can do, I know he can deliver and I know what he is all about.”