GUILSFIELD have swooped to sign Darragh O’Callaghan to fill the boots of departed striker Will Thomas.
The club parted company to the 24-year-old Thomas last week, with the ex-Welshpool and Berriew hitman snapped up as part of Rhyl’s bid for the Alliance title.
However Guilsfield manager Russell Cadwallader has refused to dwell on Thomas’ exit and insisted O’Callaghan will step up to the challenge, after completing his transfer from Cheshire League side Whitchurch Alport this week.
The former Ireland under 18s international will make his Alliance bow at mid-table rivals Conwy United, should international clearance be received from the Welsh FA.
Cadwallader said: “Darragh is an ex-Ireland under 18 international and joins with a reputation for being quick and scoring goals.
“Nobody would doubt that the departure of Will Thomas represents a massive blow, I think any club in our league would miss a player like Will who, after all, was our leading scorer.
“However in Darragh we have signed a similar kind of player, who has pace to burn and has scored goals for Whitchurch Alport.
“He has big boots to fill but I have every confidence in the lad and he cannot wait to get started at Conwy.”
Cadwallader is sweating on the Welsh FA’s ability to complete the required paperwork ahead of the trip to the North Wales coast, particularly as striker Danny Barton is a fitness doubt.
“We will be travelling up there with the bare bones,” said Cadwallader. “So we are very anxious that Darragh is permitted to make his debut at Conwy on Saturday.”