BURKE’S OFF FOR €350K
SHAMROCK ROVERS have pocketed €350,000 from Preston North End for Graham Burke.
And the Hoops will hope that figure swells further as performance-related add-ons and sell-on clauses are tied into the deal.
Irish international Burke (above) completed his Deepdale move last night after signing a three-year deal with the Championship club.
He joins forces with fellow Ireland cap Sean Maguire who Preston paid Cork a paltry €150,000
for last summer. At his new club, Burke will also play with Daryl Horgan, Alan Browne, Andy Boyle - who could yet move on and Callum Robinson who is awaiting international clearance to play.
Mirror Sport understands that Preston boss Alex Neil and the club’s chief advisor, Peter Ridsdale, deem Burke ready to go straight into the first team.
“It was brilliant to hear of Preston’s interest - I was thrilled to have the chance to come to such a good club,” said Burke last night. “I’ve kept a close eye on the club with the Irish players going over so when I found out about the interest, it was a no brainer to try get the deal done.”
Burke added: “It was brilliant to play for Shamrock Rovers.
“I want to thank Stephen Bradley for bringing me here, for showing so much faith in me, letting me express myself and making me a better player.
“It’s got me to where I am now. I’ve matured and grown in everything since I’ve been here. The journey has been unbelievable.
“The international call up doesn’t happen without the gaffer and everybody believing in me. I thank the club a lot for putting its time and trust in me and to the fans for supporting me.”
Hoops boss Bradley believes Burke will ‘shine’ in the Championship and expects him to take the jump up in his stride.
Bradley (below) said: “Graham is a special player who can change a game. He came to us a little bit broken but he’s matured.
“He has put in a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes. He’s been excellent. It’s been an unbelievable journey for him and long may it continue.
“I’ve no doubt that Graham is the type of player who will go over there and shine. The higher the level he plays the better he will be.” Bradley added: “Only time will tell but he’s got unbelievable ability and he makes things look ridiculously easy.”