'Proven goalscorer' Brighton sign Ireland international striker on season loan

Albion have signed striker Denise O’Sullivan, who has joined the club on loan until the end of 2020 from American club North Carolina Courage.

The 26-year-old Irish international, who has been capped more than 70 times for her country, is experiencing the Women’s Super League for the first time.

After starting her career in Ireland with Peamount United and Cork, she spent three seasons in Scotland with Glasgow City, helping them become the first Scottish club to reach the quarter finals of the Champions League.

In 2016 she moved to America and had a season with Houston Dash before moving to North Carolina a year later. She helped Courage win last season’s NWSL Championship and was voted Most Valuable Player by her team-mates.

Whilst with Courage she had two loan spells in the Australian League with Canberra United and Western Sydney Wanderers.

Head coach Hope Powell said: “We’re delighted to have Denise with us. She has a proven goalscoring record in some of the best leagues in the world and she will also bring plenty of experience of playing in big games against the best opposition.

“She has had to quarantine since arriving from the States, but she has now started training with us and getting to know the rest of the group. We’re really looking forward to seeing what she can bring to the group on and off the pitch.”

O’Sullivan is delighted to be experiencing the WSL for the first time.

“I am very excited to have joined Brighton & hove Albion,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to challenge myself with a talented squad in a league that’s becoming more and more competitive.

“It was a bit frustrating having to quarantine for a couple of weeks, but I have kept myself in shape and I’m looking forward to helping the club move forward.”