Bristol City Women have confirmed the signing of Lia O'Leary with the Ireland youth international, subject to international clearance, with the teenager becoming Steve Kirby's side's first signing of the January transfer window.

The 18-year-old is a product of the Shelbourne academy and won a league and cup double in 2022 before making the move to Shamrock Rovers where she has spent the last two years of her career.

City's interest in the winger was initially reported by the Irish Independent, who suggest that the Vixens have been pursuing a deal for O'Leary since last summer as they look to make an immediate return to the Women's Super League having been relegated last term.

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According to the report, the teenager has spent time on trial with both Everton and Crystal Palace in the top flight but has made the decision to make the move to Ashton Gate rather than either WSL side and has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal with the option to extend by a further year.

On the move Kirby told the City media team: "Lia is a brilliant talent who has had a great couple of seasons. We are delighted she has decided to join us and bolster our attack.

"Not only do we feel she can improve us in the short term, but we also see her huge potential to develop with us at Bristol City in the future."

With 10 games played in the Championship this season, Bristol City currently sit 10th in the table, level on points with table-toppers Birmingham City. Although Kirby's side is in a good position to win promotion, with only one spot up for grabs, there is still a lot of important work to do in the second half of the campaign.

The Vixens get their season back underway with a trip to Arsenal in the FA Cup next weekend for their first game of 2025, before their league campaign kicks back into action a week later when they welcome the London City Lionesses to Ashton Gate. After that, the Reds will face Birmingham City in a crucial top-of-the-table clash as they look to kick on after an impressive start under their new manager.

Kirby has made an excellent impression since taking over from Lauren Smith this summer. Smith called time on her tenure with the Robins on the eve of the new campaign to take up a new role with the FA as the England women's Under-19s head coach.

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