AFC Wimbledon have confirmed the permanent signing of Blues midfielder Shane McLoughlin, as first revealed by TWTD yesterday.

The 21-year-old Irishman leaves the Blues on a free transfer, signing an 18-month deal, and could make his debut in Saturday’s League One match at Sunderland.

“Shane is versatile and very sharp and accurate on the ball,” Wimbledon boss Wally Downes told the Dons’ official site.

“He has great energy, a superb attitude, and he fits the age bracket we want. He is the type of player that we want here.

“Shane has been on my radar for ages. A couple of friends I know that used to play for Ipswich told me about him quite a while ago, so I kept my eye on him.

Wally Downes has completed a #DeadlineDay signing with the arrival of @97Loughlin from @IpswichTown. Welcome to Wimbledon Shane! https://t.co/hNy5JSfvu5 #AFCW pic.twitter.com/qrwWbhG91A– AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) January 31, 2019

“We had looked to bring him to India with us when I was out there, but that didn’t happen, and he was doing well at Ipswich.

“I’ve been aware of him for quite a while. He is young and hungry to do well, which is what we want, and he has a great attitude.”

McLoughlin, who has been capped by the Republic of Ireland at U16 and U18 levels, joined the Blues academy at 16 and made his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup tie at Crystal Palace in August 2017, his only start for the club.

Primarily a central midfielder but having also operated wide, up front and as a full-back for the U23s, McLoughlin made his one and only Championship appearance as a sub in the 2-2 home draw with Middlesbrough in last season’s final home match, winning the Blues a penalty which was converted by Martyn Waghorn.

Shane has made over 100 appearances for #ITFC at various levels, including 2 games for the first team. A very versatile player who has a real chance to kick on now. pic.twitter.com/FKXRxc2QXk– ITFC Academy (@ITFC_Academy) January 31, 2019

While at Portman Road, McLoughlin, who we understand had also interested Luton Town in recent months, also had two spells on loan with Vanarama National League Bromley.

Also among Wimbledon’s recruits this January is former Blues winger Dylan Connolly, who signed from Dundalk in his native Ireland.

Photo: Action Images

Bluearmy_81 added 11:55 - Jan 31 Watch this bite us on the bum. He's going to a club we'll be on the same level as next season, doesn't make sense...
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marco007 added 11:59 - Jan 31 Difficult to comment having not really seen him in first team action. It does beg the questions as to why he has not been given an opportunity when we have had such a poor team of late and what has Wally seen in him that our guys have not? I am hoping that Bryan Klug was consulted
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leftie1972 added 12:13 - Jan 31 Very much a utility player who I think could deputise for a lot of underperforming first team players at the moment! Good luck Shane.
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Skip73 added 13:50 - Jan 31 Bluearmy, Wimbledon are bottom of League One in a similar position to us so unfortunately will probably be playing in League 2 next season. Anyway, good luck Shane and Wimbledon.
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blueboy1981 added 14:26 - Jan 31 ....... keeping up the trend ...... as we do - let all the promising youngsters go elsewhere. Other Clubs are not interested in players with nothing to offer them - therefore this lad MUST have something, and he's YOUNG .... !!! We are notorious for it, and have been for far too long......... It wasn't always like this .... !!
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blueboy1981 added 14:39 - Jan 31 ....... this Club continues to talk about youngsters, and building for the future - continuous hot air is what it is - where is the evidence otherwise...... ??? These are the type of players we need to hang onto - not let go. Over recent seasons we have become entrenched in signing has beens, freebies, loans, and other Clubs cast offs more often than not, irrespective of Manager (Hurst, being the exception). Do we need to wonder why we are, where we are...... ?? - and what we are ..... ??

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