Bohemians have announced the signing of striker Cole Kiernan from Middlesbrough, subject to international clearance.

The 19-year-old spent a year with Boro’s U23s having previously been with their local rivals Sunderland where he captained the club’s U18s.

Kiernan is from nearby Hartlepool but qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather, and has previously featured in Ireland U18 squads.

He will provide much needed cover in the striker position where Georgie Kelly has been excellent this season and Bohs boss Keith Long believes he will bring something different to the squad.

"Cole comes to the club having been through the academy at Sunderland and more recently with Middlesbrough’s U23s," said Long.

"He will provide us with options up front and will add different qualities to help the team as we enter the last few months of the season. We are looking forward to working with him, and we hope that the potential he has can be realised with us in a new environment."

Kiernan was available on a free transfer after he was released by Middlesbrough at the end of last season.

He moved to the Riverside last summer and made six appearances for their Under-23s side last season, chipping in with two goals.

The centre-forward rose up through the youth ranks at Sunderland but made the switch to Middlesbrough as they offered him a professional contract.