STEPHEN BRADLEY insists Dylan Watts has already made Shamrock Rovers a better team.

Midfielder Watts, who joined from Bohemians earlier this month, scored his first goal for the Hoops in Friday’s 2-0 win over Sligo in Tallaght.

2 Dylan Watts scored his first Shamrock Rovers goal to beat Sligo Rovers

And he helped Rovers extend their unbeaten league run to six games.

Boss Bradley is delighted with his new recruit.

He said: “Dylan’s performances — especially away in AIK and last week in Waterford — have been great. He was just missing that goal.

“I thought he was ­excellent on Friday night.

2 Stephen Bradley reckons Watts has already made Shamrock Rovers a better team

“He looked a little bit slower than he has been, in terms of the pace of the game — but he’s played a lot of minutes since he’s come in.

“Yet when he influenced the game, he was really massive, in terms of the shots, the crosses.”

Watts has exceeded all the Rovers manager’s expectations.

Bradley added: “I knew he was a good player — obviously — having watched him from a ­distance. That’s the ­reason we wanted him.

“But when you see him do little things in training and how quickly he sees the picture, it’s been really pleasing.

“He’s added strength to the team. He’s made us a better team straight away.

“He’s loving it in terms of being back playing full-time and enjoying his football.”

Bradley was also full of praise for Gary Shaw.

The striker got the ­winner in Waterford eight days ago and scored again on Friday when sprung from the bench.

Bradley said: “It’s great for Gary because he’s been out of the team and he’s had to be patient.

“When he’s been left out, he’s been disappointed and angry with me.

“But he keeps his head down and was ready to take his chance. His ­attitude has been brilliant.

“As a manager, that’s exactly what you want around the place.

“You want players angry and disappointed when they’re not playing — but you still need them to be professional and ready.”