Zak Bradshaw has joined League of Ireland side Dundalk on loan until the end of the season.
The young defender signed for the Imps on a permanent deal from Ipswich Town on Deadline Day, arriving as a long-term prospect that the management team will aim to develop into a first team regular. When he was announced, it was revealed that the club would work hard to find him a loan spell to ensure he got regular football to aid his development.
The 20-year-old heads to Ireland, and will face off against both Hayden Cann and Oisin Gallagher. The duo signed for Drogheda United earlier in the window after both enjoying a successful spell with Peterborough Sports. Following success in Ireland for other young Imps, Bradshaw will be aiming to replicate the form of others in the League of Ireland.
City’s director of football Jez George said: “It is really important that Zak keeps playing and therefore he is taking the well-trodden path to the League of Ireland with Dundalk, which will be brilliant for his long-term development.
“This will also test the allegiance of Lincoln City fans when the season starts in a few weeks, with us now having players for both teams in the ‘Louth derby’!”
Dundalk head coach, Stephen O’Donnell said: “We can see what Lincoln see in Zak. He has lots and lots of potential and he will give us good quality in defence or midfield. He is equally comfortable as a left-sided centre-back or as a player who can give you a physical presence and covers the ground well in midfield.
“He had a good loan spell with Woking in the National League and then obviously signed for Lincoln City on deadline day but we were able to get him in on loan and we’re delighted to have him on board.”