FORMER Wanderers full-back Jak Hickman has signed for Irish Premier Division side St Patrick’s Athletic.

The 22-year-old full-back has moved to Dublin to relaunch his career after being released at the end of his contract at Bolton in the summer.

Hickman made a good impression at the UniBol last season after arriving on a free transfer from Coventry City and made seven appearances in all competitions, scoring his first senior goal against Newcastle United’s Under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy.

He moved out on loan to National League King’s Lynn in March but has now signed permanently with the Saints, who are currently chasing Shamrock Rovers at the top of the table.

Speaking about how the move came about, Hickman said: “There had been a few injuries. My season finished in May and I’d been back in England holding talks with other clubs there but I got a text saying there was an opportunity to come over here and I felt it was one I could pass up.

“It’s a different experience for me and I am looking forward to a new chapter.

“It’s a very good standard and I am looking forward to getting on board.”

Hickman started as a youth at West Brom and then signed his first professional contract with Coventry City at the end of the 2016/17 season.

Saints head coach Stephen O’Donnell is optimistic that Hickman can make an impact at Richmond Park.

“Jack has great pedigree,” he said. “He played a number of times for Bolton last season in League Two and got them promoted so I am delighted to have him on board and looking forward to working with him.

“He has shown good quality in training so far but we need to get him up to speed because he hasn’t played in some time.”