WATCH: Limerick soccer ace Dara Costelloe makes loan switch to Bradford City

HIGHLY-RATED Limerick soccer ace Dara Costelloe has signed for Mark Hughes-managed Bradford AFC on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Twenty year-old forward Costelloe makes the switch to League 2 side Bradford from Burnley where he made six first-team appearances this term.

Able to play on either wing or as a striker, the Limerick man signed a contract extension at Turf Moor in the summer of 2022, having ended the 2021/22 campaign as Burnley Under-23s’ top goal-scorer.

Costelloe, who has been involved in the Republic of Ireland U21 squad, turned professional in 2018 before moving to Lancashire in February 2021.

Costelloe made his competitive debut for Burnley in the opening game of the Sky Bet Championship season at the end of July, a 1-0 victory at Huddersfield.

His new club Bradford, who are managed by former Manchester City, Southampton, Stoke City, Fulham, QPR, Blackburn Rovers and Wales boss Mark Hughes, are currently in fifth position in League Two.

Costelloe, a former Aisling Annacotty schoolboy, who finished top scorer with 12 goals across all competitions for the Burnley U23s last season, was included on the first-team bench for the last seven games of the 2021/22 Premier League season.

Costelloe extended his Clarets contract last summer having impressed in and around the first-team squad. 

INTERVIEW | First words with new signing Dara Costelloe - who is looking forward to working with a familiar face in Mark Hughes - after signing on loan from @BurnleyOfficial.

➡️ | Watch - IN FULL: https://t.co/nNCzbEUzSF#BCAFC pic.twitter.com/oiVCwx23k0

— Bradford City AFC (@officialbantams) January 13, 2023

The highly-rated Costelloe, who attended Lisnagry NS and Castletroy College, joined the Academy of the English side from Galway Utd after impressing in a trial with the club.

He played Kennedy Cup with the LDSL and then joined League of Ireland side Galway in 2017 and made his senior debut at the age of 15.

Speaking about his switch to Bradford, Costelloe said: “I am delighted to be here and cannot wait to get started. I am ready to go.

“I met the gaffer during the week and came and watched the game. I was impressed by the style of football he plays, and think I will learn a lot from him.

“The club is huge, and I was surprised by the amount of supporters at the game. The fanbase is great here, and I am looking forward to getting out there and playing in front of them on the pitch.

“I am a hard worker and will run myself into the ground and get my fair share of goals as well. I want to help the club achieve promotion.”

City manager Mark Hughes said: “We are pleased to be welcoming Dara to the club, as we continue to deepen our attacking options this month.

“We have beaten off competition from other sides across the division to secure Dara’s signature, and he is a player we have been monitoring for several weeks.

“He is tricky and versatile with a real eye for goal, and is very highly rated by his coaches at Burnley, so we are excited to begin working with him.

“He has already sampled the atmosphere at Valley Parade, having been in attendance for our recent home fixtures, and is looking forward to getting out there and showing the Bradford City supporters what he can do.”

Costelloe will wear No.33 in claret and amber, with his signing subject to the relevant EFL and FA clearances. He comes straight into contention for Bradford's trip to AFC Wimbledon this Saturday, January 14.