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Tampa Bay Takes on Irish U-19 International

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 02/05/19, 3:57PM EST

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Doherty arrives on loan from Sheffield United, club also signs Burkina Faso center back Kone


New Tampa Bay Rowdies loanee Jordan Doherty has made five appearances for the Ireland U-19 National Team.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Wednesday they had acquired Irish U-19 international midfielder Jordan Doherty on loan from Sheffield United FC, and signed Burkina Faso center back Mohamed Kone for the upcoming USL Championship season.

Doherty is the second young player to join the Rowdies on a season-long loan from an EFL Championship team this week, joining Norwich City FC’s Caleb Richards. Born in Ireland, made his debut for the U-19s just four days after his 17th birthday. He has five caps and one goal for the side.

“When we looked for someone with a skillset of great passing ability and passing range, Jordan ticked all the boxes,” Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “Obviously, using my connections with Sheffield United, Jordan came to our attention and we heard very good things about him as a person and his attitude. When you’re bringing an 18-year old over to the United States, that’s something you have to consider, and Jordan is a good fit. He’s keen to come and grow and this is a great opportunity for him as he carves out a career in the game.”

The 18-year-old has been playing with the Sheffield United U18s this season. He is expected to become the first player born in the year 2000 to play for the Rowdies. Doherty is a defensive-minded player that is expected to play as a holding midfielder, though he will also be an option at center back.

Kone, meanwhile arrives after most recently competing for Luch Minsk in the Belarusian Premier League. Since leaving the Africa Sports youth academy in the Ivory Coast in 2014, the 6-foot-3 defender has gathered experience around eastern Europe and western Asia, signing with clubs in Moldova, Cyprus and Uzbekistan, as well as Belarus.

“Mohamed comes having played in various different leagues across Europe,” said Collins. “He brings great physical presence to the team. He’s exceptional in the air and impressive with his feet on the ball. He’s someone that I think we can improve and a player that will really suit the system we want to play. Our scouting picked up on him as a really good fit and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

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