NEW SIGNING: NORMAN GARBETT

We are pleased to announce the signing of New Zealand U20 international winger Norman Garbett on a deal that runs to the end of the season.

The 20-year-old, who played and scored for the All Whites in the FIFA U20 World Cup last year, will be eligible to play on July 1st, pending international clearance.

Garbett, who was born in London, has been training with the Lilywhites for the past week and Dundalk FC manager Jon Daly said he has been impressed by the youngster’s ability and attitude.

“Norman was willing to come over and train and go on trial with the club, which helps because you get a look at him up close and personal.

“He’s very raw but he is very explosive and he can get out of the blocks very, very quickly and go either way, left or right. He’s a player that I think will excite people.”

A brother of New Zealand senior international Matt, who plays with NAC Breda in Holland, Norman was born most recently at Italian third-tier side Potenza Calcio.

“He’s got dual nationality and also holds a French passport, and after being in New Zealand, he was looking for an opportunity to play in Europe and went to Italy,” said Daly.

“Things went on in the background at the club and he found himself in a position where he didn’t get many minutes and unfortunately missed out on the Olympic squad, which is disappointing for him.

“It’s going to take him a while to get up to speed, but it’s one of those where we’ll give the kid an opportunity to come in and try and find himself a home until the end of the season and then we’ll look at it after that.

“He’s been on different trials in the UK but he doesn’t meet the criteria to go there yet and obviously with him having an EU passport, it opened it up for us to bring him in and have a look and hopefully he can have an impact from an attacking sense between now and the end of the season.”

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