Imps duo Sam Long and Sean Roughan have joined Irish Premier Division side Drogheda United on loan for their upcoming 2022 season.
Sam, who made his Sky Bet League One debut last Saturday versus Plymouth Argyle has made a total of six appearances in all competitions this season, keeping three clean sheets.
Ireland U19 international Sean Roughan made his Imps debut aged 17 in September 2020 as City beat Crewe Alexandra 2-1 in Carabao Cup action. The defender has made a further 11 appearances for the Lincoln first team, most recently versus Bowers & Pitsea in the Emirates FA Cup.
Imps director of football Jez George said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for both players. We know the people at Drogheda, we know the league and we respect the level. There could not have been a better outcome for each of them in their individual circumstances.”
“Sam moves after making his league debut and needs to be the number one, playing every week. Sean will join him at the end of his rehab from a minor ankle operation which is expected to be at the end of February. Therefore, the fact that this league starts in mid-February and continues throughout the summer, means that we can maximise their number of games right up to returning to Lincoln for pre-season. With their games on Friday evenings, this allows our staff to watch them play live.”
“Sam demonstrated his huge potential again on Saturday, with such an assured League One debut, and Sean did so 18 months ago, starting last season in the team and performing so well in wins against the likes of Oxford, Ipswich and Charlton. This loan will give them both the opportunity to play every week, it will be a fantastic experience for them, and it will put them in the best possible position to come back to fight for a place in our team next season.”
“I would like to thank Kevin (Doherty, Drogheda’s manager), Daire (Doyle, Drogheda’s assistant manager) and everyone at Drogheda for the way they have conducted themselves in the last few weeks in discussing this option, how they will look after both players, how much they wanted to sign both players, our access to watching training, and their belief in both Sam and Sean. We are really looking forward to seeing how they both progress over the next four to five months.”
Everyone at Lincoln City FC wishes Sam and Sean the best of luck during their time in Ireland.
