BJD's JDH signs for St Mirren

Doyle-Hayes joins an already strong Irish contingent at St Mirren, where Waterford-native Jim Goodwin – who won a senior cap for Ireland in 2002 – is currently manager.

Local soccer star Jake Doyle-Hayes has joined Scottish Premiership club St Mirren until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old joins as a free agent, having been released by Aston Villa when his contract expired at the end of June last.

The talented midfielder is now hoping to make a new name for himself in Paisley after fans of his during a previous loan spell at League Two's Cheltenham dubbed him the 'Irish Xavi'.

In arriving at St Mirren, Doyle-Hayes joins an already strong Irish contingent at the club, where Waterford-native Jim Goodwin – who won a senior cap for Ireland in 2002 – is currently manager.

The energetic Doyle-Hayes becomes the sixth irishman to join St Mirren, joining Conor McCarthy, Jamie McGrath, Sam Foley, Joe Shaughnessy and Dylan Connolly to trade his tiki-taka talents with as a 'Buddies' player.

Doyle-Hayes, who hails from Ballyjamesduff was first spotted by Aston Villa in 2014.

The former Aston Villa trainee has been capped at U21 level for Republic of Ireland, and was recalled to the squad last year by Stephen Kenny.

Jake will wear will the number 7 jersey after completing his move.

Speaking to the St Mirren club website, Jake said: “I've had a lot of interest during the window but when I heard St Mirren were interested it caught my attention straight away.

“I've followed the league and I liked how enthusiastic the manager was when we spoke. I was delighted with the interest and I wanted to get it done as soon as I could.

“All the lads have helped me settle in really quick and I've really enjoyed the first few days I've been here.”