New Sligo Rovers loan signing has Mayo connections

Arsenal midfielder Jack Henry-Francis has joined Sligo Rovers on loan until the end of the 2024 season.

The Republic of Ireland underage international joins the Bit o’ Red on a short-term loan deal subject to international transfer clearance.

Henry-Francis, who qualifies for Ireland through his parents’ Mayo and Leitrim heritage, has played six times for the Irish Under 19s and once for the Under 21s – against Kuwait last year.

The 20-year-old ‘box-to-box’ midfielder joined the Gunners in 2016 from Fulham when he was 13 and has regularly trained with Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad.

At the age of just 17, he featured as part of the Arsenal first-team squad which travelled to Scotland for a pre-season camp. The squad featured a host of international stars.

The London-born starlet is hoping to make the most of his time at The Showgrounds, with senior football very much on the agenda.

“I’m looking to get some exposure to first-team football really and when I get the chance, I want to put in some really good performances,” Henry-Francis said.

“I think I can do that here. I’ve spoken a lot to John (Russell, manager) and about his plans for me and the squad for the rest of the year, and it’s been very exciting. I know a fair bit about the league and have watched a fair bit of it since I knew I’d be moving over. There seems to be a lot of togetherness in the team and a lot of fight along with some really good technical players.”

Henry-Francis, who turns 21 in September, is already familiar with being around players at the very top of the game having been around the Arsenal first team. He feels this will only help him as he looks to settle in at The Showgrounds.

“It’s always a great experience being with Arsenal’s first-team as it’s always intense as there are a lot of demands, but I feel that will stand to me at Rovers. The trip to Scotland was incredible as you were playing alongside players with lots of Premier League and international experience. The last few years, the level I’ve trained at has really made me play up a level, as you’re training with players who are chasing Premier League titles.”

Speaking about the move, Rovers boss Russell said he feels he has found a player who will easily fit into his plans for the team between now and the end of the year.

“I am delighted to bring Jack to The Showgrounds,” he said. “He is a tenacious midfielder who plays the game with real energy and aggression. It’s important now that we continue to add real quality to the group, and Jack fits that profile.

“We are all excited to get to work with him and I know he’s looking forward to making an impact between now and the end of the season.”