In their bid to strengthen their league position in the Vanarama National League, Torquay United have snapped up Ruairi Keating - nephew of former Boyzone singer Ronan - on non-contract forms.
Keating junior, 21, has appeared in the League of Ireland for Sligo Rovers, Finn Harps and Galway United and has also represented the Republic of Ireland at schoolboy level.
He joins the Gulls after being recommended to manager Kevin Nicholson by former Leicester City manager Micky Adams who managed Keating at Sligo Rovers in 2015.
Over the years a number of players have proved to be a hit in English football after moving across the Irish Sea from the League of Ireland; a list that includes Everton's Seamus Coleman, Shane Long and Wes Hoolahan - all of whom who have gone on to represent the Republic of Ireland at senior level.
Like Keating, Coleman also appeared for Sligo before moving to Everton for £60,000 in 2009.
As well as Coleman, Keating can also draw inspiration from another Sligo old boy - current Hartlepool United striker Padraig Amond.
After featuring for Shamrock Rovers, Kildare County and Sligo Rovers, Amond had a spell in Portugal with Pacos de Ferreira before moving to England where he played for Accrington Stanley, Morecambe, Grimsby Town and Hartlepool United.
If Keating - who is set to make his debut for the Gulls along with fellow new signing Myles Anderrson, who joined United following his release by Barrow - can emulate any of the aforementioned quarter, then he will definitely prove to be a big hit at Plainmoor.
