MICHAEL Appleton is keen to explore further the talent pool on offer in Ireland following the signing of Patrick Hoban.

The striker joined as a free agent after helping Dundalk to the SSE Airtricity League title last month.

As part of an expanding recruitment department, United are looking into new areas for new players and Appleton believes there are plenty of gems to unearth across the Irish Sea.

He said: “It’s a summer league and is a good level.

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“It’s not a million miles away from our level, some of the better sides in Ireland would probably compete at League Two and I’m sure there are players in Ireland who would love the opportunity to come to England and play.

“It is an area we will try and be strong on and make sure we get the best talent if we can, but there are 90 other clubs who want to do the same thing.”

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