Derry City have signed Joe Hodge on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City.
The Republic of Ireland U19 midfielder signed his first professional contract with the Premier League club last August.
18-year old Hodge was named City's Scholar of the Year at the 2019/20 Premier League Academy awards, and is also highly thought-of in the Ireland underage system.
The Derry loan will be the defensive midfielder's first taste of senior football.
"I’m absolutely delighted to be bringing Joe to Derry City," said Candystripes manager Declan Devine.
“It’s a high profile loan signing for us given that Man City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and Joe is one of their top young talents and current ‘Scholar of the Year’.
🔴⚪️ 𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝑫𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝑱𝒐𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒅𝒈𝒆!
Can't wait to see the Man City and ROI U19 starlet in action for the Candystripes 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JTrWZrHATJ— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) February 10, 2021
"Of course Joe is just 18 years old and this will be his first venture into senior football. ”
“We want to help him evolve and to enjoy this opportunity. I’m hoping that his spell with Derry City will play some small part in the youngster fulfilling his potential.”
“I’d like to thank Manchester City for their assistance in getting the deal done and assure them we will look after the lad.”
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