Bohemian FC is delighted to confirm that 18-year-old winger Rhys Brennan has signed his first professional contract with the club.

Brennan joined from Crumlin United in December and made an early impact, scoring the winning goal in Bohs’ 1-0 Leinster Senior Cup win over Malahide United in January.

He has not looked back since – earning plaudits for his goal-scoring and creative form for Trevor Croly’s Bohs U20s, and international recognition for Ireland at U19 and U20 level.

He just turned 18 on Saturday, and first-team manager Alan Reynolds believes he has a bright future ahead of him.

Reynolds said: “Rhys is a really quick and direct winger who chips in with goals. He has loads of pace – he is rapid quick – and that really causes problems for teams.

“He has been training with the first team in recent times and has really impressed all of us. He is an old-fashioned out-and-out wide player and, given time, he has the potential to do really well for this club.”

U20s manager Croly added: “Rhys has really impressed since he came in. When he came in initially, he had an injury. But once we got him up to speed, he has been excellent for the U20s and has gone on to train for the first team and has really impressed at that level too.

“He is a flying winger, who can play right or left, and is lightning fast. I love watching players like that, so I really think he will excite people.

“He likes to go past defenders, and reminds me a bit of Daniel Kelly when he came to Bohs. That is the type of player he is, and I believe he has the potential to go on and become a fans’ favourite.”