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CORK'S Chiedozie Ogbene is a Premier League footballer after putting pen to paper on deal with newly promoted Luton Town.

The winger will officially sign for the Hatters on July 1st and he will join a team that is returning to the top flight of English football for the first time since 1992.

This completes a journey that took him through the Cork Schoolboys League and the Cork City Academy, and into the lower leagues of England.

Ogbene reflected on his pathway to the Premier League when the deal was announced.

“I’m delighted to be here as a Premier League player, because of my journey and where I’ve been in the last five-and-a-half years, from Limerick FC and the League of Ireland to Luton Town FC in the Premier League. 

"My former coach said it would be one in 200,000 – I guess I’m that one,” he said.

“My journey is special to me. I come from Rotherham United, who I spent four seasons with and where I achieved some great things with some great people. 

"But to be considered to be a Luton Town player with an opportunity to feature in the Premier League was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.” 

He added: “I’m just excited to be here. To feature in the Premier League is everyone’s dream and I’m really happy for the opportunity.” Manager Rob Edwards heaped praise on the Republic of Ireland international.

“Chio is a really exciting addition and is someone we’ve liked for a while,” he said.

“We got to look at him a lot last season in preparing to play against him and his Rotherham team, and in my opinion he was their best and most threatening player.

“We actually did a reasonable amount of work on stopping him as well as part of our game planning, so you know when you are doing that, he should be on a list for possible recruitment.

“We know we are going to need some real athleticism in the Premier League, and he knows how to use it. 

"He’s flexible, and he’s going to be able to play through the middle as a forward, but also as a wide one, if we wanted to play with wide forwards. He can play a couple of positions.

“Chio also brings experience of top level football. He’s an Irish international and he’s played in some high level games and done well in them, particularly against France who are one of the best nations in the world.

“He’s still at a good age where he’s willing to learn and he’s a fantastic human being, we had a brilliant chat and I just loved his personality.

“He’s humble, he comes from a great family background and he’s had to work extremely hard to get where he is now, to get a crack in the Premier League. 

"He should be really proud of himself and we’re delighted to be able to give him that chance.”