Dundalk bolstered their midfield options yesterday by signing Lithuanian international Karolis Chvedukas. Chvedukas signs from Lithuanian side Suduva Marijampole for the 2018 season and on the back of this international signing, we've taken a look a
Dundalk bolstered their midfield options yesterday by signing Lithuanian international Karolis Chvedukas. Chvedukas signs from Lithuanian side Suduva Marijampole for the 2018 season and on the back of this international signing, we've taken a look at five other players from beyond these shores who've made an impression on the SSE Airtricity League. Wesley Charles - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Wesley Charles came to Ireland and signed with Sligo Rovers in 1998 where he spent three years before moving onto Bray Wanderers in 2001, after making over 60 appearances, scoring two goals. Charles became a 'cult hero' at the Carlisle Grounds where he made over 120 appearances, scoring four goals and his form over the four years attracted the attentions of Russian side FC Rostov. After a short spell in Russia, he moved back to the Carlisle Grounds for a short spell before moving to Galway United. Charles made over 100 appearances for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, scoring four goals. Admir Softic - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina After playing for FK Sarajevo in his native Bosnia, Softic came to Ireland to sign with Cork City in 2003 and immediately made an impression, helping Stuart Ashton's U21 side win the league. Softic spent five years at Turner's Cross and grew a reputation as an industrious midfielder. Whilst it took him a bit of time to break into the first-team, his hard work across the pitch endeared him to the Cork City faithful. He made several European appearances and was part of the squad that won the 2007 FAI Cup. Softic returned to his native Bosnia with Zeljeznicar in 2008 and has since had spells in Denmark and Germany. Softic is currently with TuS Koblenz II in Germany. Joseph N'Do - Yaounde, Cameroon Perhaps one of the finest footballers to grace these shores, 'Joey' N'Do is one of the all-time favourite SSE Airtricity League players. After a lengthy career which already spanned France, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and China, N'Do signed for St. Patrick's Athletic in 2003 which started a long love-affair with the SSE Airtricity League. He had spells with Shelbourne, Bohemians and another spell with St. Patrick's Athletic, and was named in the 2009 PFAI Team of the Year. He moved to Sligo Rovers in 2010 and was named the man of the match in the 2010 FAI Cup Final. He won the SSE Airtricity League four times, FAI Cup three times and the league cup once in an iconic spell in Ireland. Charles Livingstone Mbabazi - Uganda The Ugandan international was a huge fans favourite at St. Patrick's Athletic after he moved to Inchicore in 1999. Quick, skilful and strong, Mbabazi was one of the most feared strikers in the league and helped St. Patrick's Athletic achieve European football during his four years at the club. Mbabazi produced one of his finest moments in a Pats shirt when he scored against HNK Rijeka in the 2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup to seal the clubs first ever win in European competition. He also followed that up with a goal against Gent in the following match. In 2003, he was forced to retire due to a heart problem after collapsing on the pitch against Bohemians and was awarded a testimonial by Pats before returning to his native Uganda. Chris O'Connor - Brisbane, Australia The Australian goalkeeper signed for Bray Wanderers in 2003 at the age of 18 and immediately went on to represent the league in the U21s Four Nations Tournament in Scotland. He was named the goalkeeper of the year after his form helped Wanderers achieve promotion to the Premier Division. He kept 15 clean sheets throughout the campaign and throughout his six years at the club, he was almost always No.1 choice at the Carlisle Grounds. His time at the club ended on a slightly sour note however as Sporting Fingal secured promotion to the Premier Division in the promotion/relegation play-off. With the game 1-1 in the 90th minute, it looked as though O'Connor was the hero when he headed home Gary McCabe's corner. But, straight from the kick-off, O'Connor tried to take the ball over Gary O'Neill but he lost control and Robert Bayly turned the ball home to secure Fingal's passage to the Premier Division. Watch the clip below! O'Connor had a short one-year spell at Bohemians before leaving for Gold Coast United in 2011. ,
