We are delighted to announce the signing of full-back Dan Pike.

Subject to international clearance (ITC), the 22-year-old, who was recently with Tranmere Rovers, could make his debut in Friday night’s Louth Derby against Drogheda United at Oriel Park.

Born in Formsby, Liverpool, Pike graduated through the academy at Blackburn Rovers, where he played alongside Felix Goddard, Sam Durrant and former Dundalk centre-back Louie Annesley.

He gained first-team experience during three loan spells at AFC Fylde before moving to Tranmere in August 2023.

He made 20 appearances for the club last season, 16 of them in League Two.

“This is a really good opportunity for me to come to Ireland, play games and try and enjoy my football again,” said Pike.

“I’m predominantly right-sided but I can do a job at left-back, I work hard and I like to think that defensively I’m good at one-on-one situations and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Speaking about his seventh new signing of the window, Lilywhites manager Jon Daly said that he viewed Pike as a natural replacement for Archie Davies, who joined Carlisle United on Monday evening.

“Dan is a natural right-back so he will come in for Archie but he can also give us good cover on both sides,” said Daly.

“He has played at a good level and he has been on my radar for some time so it’s good to finally get him over and I think he will be a really good addition to the group.

“It’s important that he comes in and hits the ground running. He knows he has big boots to fill but it’s a challenge that Dan is looking forward to.”