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English Championship newcomers Burton Albion have signed Ryan Delaney from Wexford Youths for an undisclosed fee.

The versatile defender had been on trial with the Brewers over the summer and had been omitted from the Youths squad that was beaten 4-2 in Galway on Friday.

The deal was brokered by former Youths chairman Mick Wallace and ex-Ireland international Stephen Hunt.

19-year-old Delaney has been a mainstay of the Youths defence for the past two years, helping the club to win the First Division title for the first time in 2015.

He made his debut for Youths in a defeat to Longford Town at the beginning of the 2014 season and went on to make 42 appearances in pink, scoring twice.

“Ever since I've been down at Ferrycarrig Park, it's been unbelievable. There's such a homely feeling to the club," said Delaney.

“The players, staff and management couldn't have been any better for me. Wexford Youths will always be in my heart.”

Youths boss Shane Keegan added: “Ryan has gone from strength to strength through his years as captain as the Under 17 and Under 19 teams, before becoming a hugely valuable element of the League of Ireland senior side.

“It is a great demonstration of what Wexford Youths' underage is capable of producing. His attitude, application and behaviour have been exemplary throughout his time at Ferrycarrig Park.”

“He can play left back or left centre half,” said Albion manager Nigel Clough.

“He’s only 19 and hasn’t yet played at a decent level but he does a lot of things naturally.

“He has not been in full-time training which means he’s been blowing a bit in the last 20 minutes of games but we think we can get him up to speed.”