Rovers add to options with two loan signings
SLIGO Rovers have bolstered their senior men’s squad with the addition of a striker and midfielder on loan deals.
Luke Pearce and Jack Henry-Francis, both aged 20, have arrived from Cardiff City and Arsenal respectively until the end of the season.
Pearce is a striker while FrancisHenry is a midfielder. Both were born in England but have represented the Republic of Ireland at underage level. Pearce is eligible through a Sligo-born mother (she hails from near Collooney), while Henry-Francis has family ties in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim.
Pearce signed for Cardiff just two weeks ago from Southampton where he impressed for their Under-23 side. He also found the back of the net on loan spells with Eastbourne and Torquay.
Henry-Francis has been at London’s Arsenal since he was 13 and is a well-regarded prospect.
Despite some injury setbacks in the last year, the club remain optimistic about the midfielder’s future at The Emirates Stadium and he has featured frequently in first team training. A spell at Rovers will be his first exposure to first team football, much like new teammate Charlie Wiggett who had only played academy football before moving to The Showgrounds in February.
Commenting on signing for the Bit O’Red, Pearce said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing how I can do in the League of Ireland. I know it’s a very competitive league and Rovers are doing well at the moment based on recent results.
“I’ve only been here a short while but I can feel the positivity around the club, both on and off the field. I am really looking forward to picking up some first team experience here and helping Rovers kick-on in the league and, of course, there’s the FAI Cup to come this weekend so I’ll be looking to make an impact.”
Meanwhile, Henry-Francis stated: “I want to get some exposure to first team football and hope I can help the team keep pushing up the table.
“Training has been great, there was a good intensity, good tempo. You can feel the positive atmosphere around the place and I want to help keep that going for the rest of the season.”