Dundalk confirm loan extension of key player

Dundalk FC have announced that Johannes Yli-Kokko has extended his loan spell at the club until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old arrived from his parent club HJK Helsinki in February and has made 23 appearances for the Lilywhites this season, scoring three goals.

“I was delighted to hear that I can stay here for the remainder of the season,” said Yli-Kokko. “It was in the works for a long time, but I only got confirmation about three or four days ago.

“I settled in pretty quickly to the group after I arrived and I feel like I’m getting more used to the game here and that I’m improving all of the time.

“It would have been tough to leave the boys when we still have lots to play for. We have big games in the league, cup and Europe to come and I’m really looking forward to being a part of them.”

“We are delighted to extend Johannes’ loan deal until the end of the season,” said Dundalk FC head coach Stephen O’Donnell. “He has made a big contribution since he arrived from Finland.

“We are going into a hectic schedule now and hopefully after Thursday’s second leg with KA it will get even more busy so we will need everybody we have available.”