Having completed the signing of winger Mark Rutherford yesterday, St Patrick’s Athletic have slipped down the pecking order in the hunt for Drogheda United’s Cup-wining skipper Declan O’Brien.

Striker O’Brien, 26, is out of contract at Drogheda, whose failure to tie him down to a new deal has also alerted league Champions Cork City and Bohemians.

O’Brien is keen to remain in full-time football, scotching rumours he as looking to go part-time.

“I don’t know where the suggestion I wanted to go part-time came from,” said O’Brien, who says his situation with Drogheda remains undecided despite recent talks.

“If I was to leave it would be to go full-time elsewhere,” added the Dubliner, who has been a professional at United Park for the last three years.

“Why would I want to go part-time? I’m only 26 and have just tasted success. I’m eager to win more trophies wherever I go.”

O’Brien enjoyed a dream first FAI Cup final last Sunday when he scored the clinching second goal before having the honour of lifting Drogheda’s first senior trophy.

“St Pat’s were in touch,” confirmed O’Brien. But he added: “They have a lot of part-time players and the other clubs that have been on to me are in a better situation in regards to European football and stuff like that.

“That’s the only thing that would probably sway it for me.”

Meanwhile, Rutherford’s arrival at Richmond Park means he will have played for all four of Dublin’s top clubs.

“I have signed Mark for a year with the option of a second year,” confirmed St Pat’s boss John McDonnell.

Birmingham born Rutherford, 33, has won titles with Shelbourne and Bohemians and is one of six players to leave relegated Shamrock Rovers this week.

Gavin McDonnell has already joined Dublin City while fellow defenders Keith Doyle, Kieran Foley plus midfielders Willo McDonagh and Keith O’Halloran have also been released by Harps.

Next Fixture

Besiktas / August 14th @ 7:00pm
Competition: UEFA Conference League
Venue: Besiktas Stadium
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Team	Pld	Pts
Shamrock Rovers	27	53
Bohemian FC	27	43
Derry City	27	42
Drogheda United	27	42
Shelbourne	27	39
St Patrick's Athletic	27	38
Waterford FC	27	34
Galway United	27	30
Sligo Rovers	27	26
Cork City	27	19