TRANMERE Rovers have announced the signing of Neill Byrne from Hartlepool United for an undisclosed fee.

Byrne, 29, signs a one year deal that will see him a Prenton Park until at least the summer of 2023 after making 40 appearances for League Two side Hartlepool United.

The Irishman graduated through the ranks of Championship side Nottingham Forest joining at the age of 14.

January 2012 saw the centre half move to League One side Rochdale United having loan spells at Barrow and Southport. He later played for teams such AFC Telford, Macclesfield Town, Gateshead, AFC Fylde and FC Halifax before making his move back into the Football League with Hartlepool.

After signing, Byrne said: “Once I heard there was interest from Tranmere it was a move I really wanted to get over the line. With it being so close to my house, my family and my partner's family, who are all massive Tranmere fans and so are my friends, it’s something I’m really excited by.

“Tranmere is a massive club with a big fan base. I played here last year and all my friends and family came and they were all raving about the size of the stadium, the supporters, the pitch, so as soon as I heard there was interest with it being such a big Club it was a move I wanted to make.”

Tranmere boss Micky Mellon added: “We are really pleased to bring Neill to Tranmere. He will add experience to our squad and will help with the development of the younger players in the group.

“He’s got the experience that we are looking for and we’re really looking forward to working with him and having him around the squad. His capability and knowledge of the game is something that will really benefit us.”