DERRY City have completed the signing of Josh Kerr from Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion on a six-month loan deal.
Kerr came into Derry on Thursday last with his family to negotiate a deal with the club – following successful talks between the Lone Moor Road side the Premiership outfit in December.
The youngster done his own research on the club before signing, having spoke to Brighton teammate and Derry native Shane Duffy and also fellow Scot, Ally Roy who wore the Candystripes last season.
Manager Declan Devine watched Kerr play last month in Brighton alongside Derry’s Head of Youth Development, Paddy McCourt – admitting he was highly impressed with the Scottish youth international.
“Josh has been on the radar for a while,” Devine said. “[He] ticks all the boxes for us in terms of age profile, background, ability, and presence.
“Everybody’s coming here for the right reasons, everyone’s coming here with a point to prove and are determined to play.”
The 20-year joined Brighton on a two-year deal in the summer of 2017, following five years with the Scottish Premier League champions, Celtic.
During his time with the Hoops, Kerr won the SFA Youth Cup, beating Rangers 3-0 in the final, and also played in the UEFA Youth League, where he came up against Barcelona and Manchester City.
Kerr has since proved influential since his move to the South of England, helping Simon Rusk’s Under 23 team gain promotion to Premier League 2, the top flight of U23 football, in 2018.
‘Seagulls’ chiefs were keen for Kerr to further his development by farming him out on loan – with the defender joining Patrick McClean, Ciaran Coll and Ally Gilchrist as new defensive cover for the Candystripes next season.
The Derry City boss also confirmed that former West Ham academy striker, Jordan Brown is training with the club for the next seven days.
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