Dundalk keen to keep Nathan Shepperd at Oriel Park beyond 2023

Dundalk FC head coach Stephen O’Donnell is desperate to keep hold of prized asset Nathan Shepperd beyond the conclusion of the current SSE Airtricity League season.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper produced another marvellous display in the Louth Derby in Drogheda, keeping out an 87th-minute penalty by Freddie Draper as Dundalk recorded a 1-0 victory that represented a third clean sheet from their last four outings.

Having signed from Brentford at the beginning of last season, The Lilywhites opted to activate the option of a second year on the Welshman’s contract for this term, but with his deal set to wind down in December, outside interest in his services seems inevitable.

“There’s no problem whatsoever,” insisted O’Donnell, when prompted on Shepperd’s situation. “I don’t know how we’ve ended up talking about this after the sixth game of the season.

“Nathan’s an excellent keeper. We love having him here. He has a great mentality, and he brings it every game. And he loves football, he loves training and he’s brilliant to have around. And as I said, his performances for a keeper of such a young age have been excellent.

“That side of it will be taken care of. Obviously, Nathan’s the calibre of player we want to keep at the club as long as possible, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”