The Imps have continued their long-term squad building by signing Oisin Gallagher to his first professional deal.
The talented young midfielder has signed a three-year deal with the Imps having impressed since joining the club in the summer, already being included in several matchday squads.
A delighted Oisin said: “All I wanted to be when I was younger was to be a professional footballer and I’m glad to have this opportunity.
“I’ve been able to train with the first team from nearly day one and I’ve loved every minute of it - they’ve been so welcoming.
“I want to enjoy it more than anything, because when you enjoy it that’s when the best performances come out of you. Hopefully I can keep getting the chance to enjoy the experiences of being with the first team and then from there keep working hard and we’ll see what happens.”
Oisin has scored five goals and assisted three times for the Imps' U18s this season, earning himself international recognition with the Republic of Ireland U19s in their European qualifiers.
There was no time for Oisin to rest on his laurels as he immediately jetted off to join the Republic's U18s.
Imps director of football Jez George added: “Oisin is a player with huge potential, who we were delighted to sign from Derry City in the summer and this is another step on what we hope will be a long and successful career for him, initially with Lincoln City. We worked really hard to navigate some complex issues to ensure that he received international clearance in the last transfer window and I would like to thank the FA, FAI, Liam Scully, Richard Parnell, Phil Hough, Jordan McCann and Paul Metheringham for all their work to make that possible.
“A common trait in all young players who reach their potential is an elite mindset, and Oisin certainly has that to go with undoubted technical ability and physical attributes. We are all excited about his future but now we have secured Oisin’s to be at club for the next three years, he can concentrate on all the work required to make the next steps in his development. We have a lot of really good staff across the first team and academy who will drive that process.
“Finally a word about Oisin’s mum and dad, who are our guests at the game on Saturday and have been fantastic in their support and help since we first saw Oisin last October and first met them last Christmas. They should be rightly proud of Oisin but also recognise their part in his achievements to date and hopefully many more in the future.”
