Robbie Keane will have some company in California after League of Ireland star secures move

Welcome to the Golden State.

Irish defender Derek Foran has secured a two-year deal with United Soccer League outfit Republic FC. Still only 25, Foran has vast experience having made his League of Ireland debut six years ago. He won two Ford FAI Cups with Sligo Rovers before moving on to Dundalk, then Shamrock Rovers. He was signed by Liam Buckley at St Patrick's Athletic, last season, and was part of a squad that ended the season as FAI Cup winners.

Buzzing to finally announce iv signed for @SacRepublicFC already settled in and looking forward to the big challenge!!! #factor50 Derek Foran (@Deggsaaay) March 11, 2015

Foran could be in Sacremento, with Republic FC, until 2018 as he has the option of a third year on his contract. For a player that was regularly on one-year deals in the Airtricity League, the contract offers footballing security for the foreseeable future. Republic FC currently play at the 10,000-capacity Bonney Field stadium and set a ULS record, in 2014, for home attendances. The club hope to prove they can sustain a quality squad and consistent fan-base as they strive for admission to Major League Soccer. If the club has its way, Foran could yet find himself man-marking fellow Dubliner Robbie Keane in a California derby between Republic and LA Galaxy.