Game time the target for Grant
ROCHDALE confirmed the arrival of Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Conor Grant on transfer deadline day.
The Owls had been looking to send the youngster out on loan but Brian Barry-murphy wanted to make the move permanent and that suited 19-year-old Grant.
The midfielder has signed a two-and-a-halfyear deal at the Crown Oil Arena.
He became BBM’S second acquisition of transfer deadline day after Conor Shaughnessy and was later followed into the club by Jack Vale, who joined on loan from Blackburn Rovers until the end of the season.
Grant spent almost three and a half years with Wednesday after joining as a scholar from Shamrock Rovers in May 2017. He’d previously been at Malahide United.
He made his only first team appearance for Wednesday earlier this season in the Owls’ 2-0 win at Dale in the Carabao Cup.
Grant signed a professional contract with Wednesday in December 2018, but has found first team opportunites limited and is looking to get minutes under his belt during his time at Rochdale.
“I’m excited to get going,” he said.
“My agent said to me a couple of weeks ago that Sheffield Wednesday were talking about a loan, but the gaffer here wanted a permanent deal, which I was all for.
“I’m really looking forward to working with him – I’d seen that Brian had signed a few Irish lads!
“I think I can develop a lot here, to be honest. I want to get as many games under my belt as I can and hopefully it will be a really good experience.”
Grant, who played alongside goalkeeper
Gavin Bazunu a few years ago when the pair were both at Shamrock Rovers, described himself as a player who likes to make things happen.
“I’d say I’m a creative player, I like to make things happen in the final third, I play midfield but I’ll play anywhere I’m asked and give 100 per cent,” he said.
“It was a proud moment for myself to make my debut here (for Wednesday) and now I can’t wait for my Rochdale debut.”