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Dundalk have begun to plan for life after Richie Towell with the announcement of the signing of former UCD playmaker Robbie Benson.

The 23-year-old had spent the last five seasons with the Students, choosing to remain in Belfield following their relegation to the second tier in spite of interest from a number of Premier Division clubs.

Benson played in all four of College's Europa League qualification matches last season and was a key part of Collie O'Neill's side's unexpected promotion push.

His absence through injury for the final stages of the season was keenly felt, as it was in the first leg of the promotion play-off with Finn Harps as the Students lost out by the odd goal conceded at the UCD Bowl.

“I’m over the moon to be here,” Benson told his new club's official website.

“I have moved on from UCD and this was my first time really experiencing the off-season and the madness that it is! I’m really happy to get it sorted out.

“One of the deciding factors [in joining Dundalk] was Stephen Kenny. I have got a lot of advice. It was my decision at the end of the day but everything that was said pointed in the direction to come here.

“I know a good few players from before. I have kept in close contact with David McMillan since he left UCD and I am looking forward to starting that partnership again.

“We are slowly taking over here – there’s 5 or 6 of us here! It’ll be good to link up with them again.”

Benson cited the prospect of playing Champions League football as another motivating factor in his decision to enter the demanding atmosphere of the back-to-back league champions.

“Champions League is another step up. Playing in the Europa League with UCD last year gave me a taste of it. It’s what everyone wants to play in.

“It’s the highest level. The lads came close to getting the breakthrough this year. Hopefully we can push on next year and make progress in it.”