Stuart Byrne has signed a pre-contract agreement with Drogheda United and will complete the move when the transfer window opens later this week.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who moves from league champions Shelbourne after five years at Tolka Park, is the first player to leave in the wake of manager Pat Fenlon's decision to join Derry City but may soon be joined in Drogheda by winger Ollie Cahill.

Cahill is believed to have passed a medical with Paul Doolin's side but will not make a final decision on his future until he returns from holiday.

Byrne, who joins on a two-year-deal, will finalise the deal when the transfer window opens on December 15th.

"I'm delighted to get the opportunity to join a club like Drogheda whose ambition matches that of my own," he said today. "I'm naturally competitive and I'm happiest when I'm winning."