Dundalk Look to Pip Relegation Rivals to Lincoln City Youngster

League of Ireland side Dundalk are looking at relegation rivals Drogheda United’s Hayden Cann with Zak Bradshaw and Zak Johnson set to return to their parent clubs, Lincoln City and Sunderland respectively when their loan deals expire. 

Manager Jon Daly is looking to reinforce his squad, particularly in defence, as the departures will weaken the foundations that have led to an improved recent run of results built on defensive solidity.

Dundalk Departures Set to Add to Daly’s League of Ireland Relegation Fears

The Lilywhites have won two of the five fixtures since the current manager took charge in May.

They have propelled themselves off the bottom of the table, keeping three clean sheets in the process. The departures of Johnson and Bradshaw will be a major blow for the 2019 League of Ireland champions.

Central midfielder Bradshaw ranks third for tackles of all players at the club, while defender Johnson sits second for interceptions and clearances.

Both players have been regular starters and there will have to be statement arrivals to offset their departures. Bradshaw, in particular, has been consistently performing at a high level in recent weeks.

Scottish midfielder Scott McGill has signed from Raith Rovers on a free transfer to replace the departing Bradshaw and his versatility will be key as he can operate in a full-back role.

His experience in the second and third tier of Scottish football will stand him in good stead for the pace of the League of Ireland Premier Division.

Drogheda United Star Identified as Ideal Replacement for Johnson

The Irish Independent is reporting that Dundalk will turn to Lincoln City yet again for Hayden Cann, currently on loan at Drogheda United.

The 20-year-old has been one of the Drogs’ better performers and made a big impression on his potential new club, scoring the winner in stoppage time to help secure a win for his side over Dundalk last month.

His current loan spell is set to expire at the end of this month and it will be tempting for the player to move to a team that looks much more solid defensively and his performances in a struggling side as a whole, indicate he is ready to help move the Lilywhites up the table.

The young defender had a couple of tough nights in defeats against Shamrock Rovers and Waterford and has been dropped for the last three outings, defeats at Sligo and away at Galway, with a scoreless draw against St. Patrick’s Athletic in between.

The team have not won any of the four games he has not played a part in since he arrived at the start of the year.

The player has progressed through the Imps’ underage teams and due to the positive development of Bradshaw, they may be inclined to sanction a deal for Cann to remain in the League of Ireland, with a side that is looking to move up the table.

He signed a new deal last year until the summer of 2024 and Lincoln may offer him a new deal before sanctioning another loan deal.