LUKE Matheson has sealed a loan move to Bohemians on the eve of the new League of Ireland season.

The full-back, who has made five first team appearances for Wanderers this season, will stay with the Dublin club until the end of June.

Matheson recently signed a new deal with Bolton which keeps him with the club until the summer of 2025 and has impressed behind the scenes at the Toughsheet Stadium since his move last summer.

Already boasting significant senior experience with Rochdale, Matheson struggled with a series of injuries after getting a move to Wolves at the age of just 17.

He signed for Bolton last summer with a view to rebuilding his career in the B Team but his talent quickly pushed him into contention for a first team spot and he has been part of Ian Evatt’s training squad for much of the season.

Wanderers had hoped to loan him to a League Two club in January – with Walsall said to be one of the clubs who had enquired about his services – but no deal materialised.

Matheson now gets the opportunity to gain some regular game time under Declan Devine at Bohs, who finished sixth in the Premier Division last season and finished runners-up in the FAI Cup.

Bohemians boss Devine said: “Luke is a smashing young player and we are delighted to bring to the club. He is very enthusiastic and is really looking forward to getting started with us.

“He is only 21 years of age but has already played a lot of first-team football in League One and League Two in England, and in the Scottish Championship. He is very highly rated at Bolton and only recently signed a new contract there.

“He is lightning quick and is flexible in where he can play. He can play in either full-back position or as a wing-back, and seriously strengthens our defensive options.”