Midfielder Deegan signs one-year deal with the Cobblers

The former Coventry City and Hibernian schemer has put pen to paper on a 12-month contract after a trial spell.

“Gary is a player with a good pedigree and I am pleased to have signed him,” said Boothroyd.

“He will give us bite and aggression in the midfield and he is a good blend with the midfielders we already have here.

“He has settled in well during pre-season both on and off the field and he is another good addition to the squad.

“I have always said it is important to take our time to make sure we bring in the right players.

“Not only are we looking for good players, but players who offer variety and a blend and a balance to those who are already here and Gary certainly does that.”

The 25-year-old Dubliner began his career in his native Ireland playing for Shelbourne, Longford, Galway and Bohemians before joining Coventry City in 2010.

Boothroyd was manager at the Ricoh when Deegan was there, but the midfielder never featured in a team selected by the current Cobblers boss.

In all, he scored five times in 43 appearances for the Sky Blues before moving to Hibernian in the summer of 2012, playing 23 times for the Scottish Premier League side.

Deegan only scored once for the Hibees, but it was a thumping 25-yard drive in a Scottish Cup tie against Aberdeen at Easter Road.

The Irishman, who has never played at a lower level than the Championship in English football, has spent the whole pre-season period at Sixfields.

He has played in all of the club’s pre-season friendlies to date, and is expected to line up in central midfield alongside fellow new signing Darren Carter in Saturday’s Sixfields date against a Stoke City Development team.