IRELAND Under-21 goalkeeper Killian Cahill revealed Josh Keeley’s reference convinced him to join Leyton Orient from Brighton.
Cahill, 21, moved to Orient on a free transfer ahead of the new season where he will replace Keeley, who has returned to Tottenham Hotspur after a season-long loan.
The former Shamrock Rovers academy product joined the Seagulls as an 18-year-old where he trained with the first team and featured in EFL Trophy games.
But he has switched to Brisbane Road keen to get first-team experience in a side that only missed out on promotion from League One last season in the play-off final.
Cahill said: “I can’t wait to get going and I’m really excited to join Leyton Orient. I spoke to Josh a lot last season, so feel like I know quite a bit about the club already.
“His journey here last season is a real inspiration; coming in as a young goalkeeper to fight for his place and taking his chance when it came.
“If I get an opportunity to play then I want to take it and help the club to have another good season.”
O’s Head Coach Richie Wellens added: “Killian comes with a great reputation from Brighton and we’re excited to have him with us at Leyton Orient.
“We needed to add a couple of goalkeepers to our squad with Josh Keeley and Sam Howes departing, and Killian will add real competition to that department.
“Killian is a long-term investment for the football club, and we are continuing with our recruitment process with the start of pre-season approaching us.”
