Waterford United tonight signed midfielder Stephen Grant from local side Tramore AFC for the remainder of the 2009 season.

The 23-year-old’s signing is a great boost for the Blues squad, as he can play anywhere across the midfield, and he will add hugely to Stephen Henderson’s options in both attack and defence. Possessing great energy and mobility, Stephen tackles well, loves to get forward in support of the attack, and has an eye for goal.

In September 2004 he scored one of the quickest ever goals at the Brandywell, in the first minute of the Derry City v Waterford United match, only to have it chalked off as the tie was abandoned due to floodlight failure after 19 minutes. In February 2006 he was a late call-up to Don Givens’ Ireland U-21 side for the Madeira Tournament, and he took full advantage of his chance, playing in all three games, and scoring the first goal in the 2-1 win in the final match against Portugal as Ireland went on to win the tournament.

Originally signed from Waterford Bohemians, where he played with Kenny Browne, Stephen spent three years with the Blues, from 2004 to 2006, but was released by then manager Gareth Cronin at the end of that campaign. He joined Kilkenny City in 2007, but his spell there was short-lived, brought to an end by City’s untimely demise as a League of Ireland senior club before the 2008 season commenced. He signed for Tramore AFC for the 2008/09 season, and helped the Seasiders to lift the Waterford Junior League Premier crown at the end of May, in a play-off against Carrick United.

He will go straight into the squad, and be in contention for selection for the first game back after the mid-season break, away to Longford Town this Sunday, July 5th (KO 6.30pm).