We have reinforced our options in goal with the signing of highly rated Tottenham Hotspur keeper Josh Keeley.

The 22-year-old has put pen to paper on a permanent contract to add competition for the number one jersey after an excellent season on loan at Leyton Orient in League One last term.

The Republic of Ireland youth international was named by the Orient supporters as their Young Player of the Year and picked up the Merit Award after his displays between the sticks helped them reach the third-tier play-off final.

Not only did he keep 16 clean sheets in 36 games in League One, Keeley also won the O’s Goal of the Season award after scoring a remarkable injury-time equaliser in an FA Cup tie against Oldham in November.

He went on to produce an inspired performance in the play-off semi-final second leg against Stockport, making one crucial save in the shootout that sent Orient to Wembley.

On his newest recruit, manager Matt Bloomfield said: “Josh is a young, agile, athletic goalkeeper who had a great season last year in League One.

“He is an excellent shot-stopper and can play out from the back and sweep up behind the defence.

“We’re pleased to acquire a goalkeeper of his potential who already has plenty of experience.

“To be able to add someone of Josh’s pedigree and quality to the club is a real statement. He’s someone of big potential that we’re excited to add to our group.”

In his first interview with LTFC+, Josh revealed that a former Town goalkeeper helped persuade him to join the Hatters.

“Dean Brill was my goalkeeper coach at Spurs, and he told me how big and how great the club was,” explained Keeley.

“To be honest, those words helped turn my head completely, so I’m absolutely delighted and grateful that I’m here.

“I moved to Spurs when I was 19, but there comes a time in your career that it’s time to move on – and that time is now, so it’s time to kick on and I can’t wait to get started.”

The story so far

Born in Dunboyne, County Meath, in the Republic of Ireland, Josh came through the ranks at St Patrick’s Athletic, where he won league titles at under-15, under-17 and under-19 levels in their youth set-up.

He turned professional in January 2021, and was a regular on their first team bench from the end of 2020 before he made his senior debut against Bray Wanderers in the FAI Cup in July 2021 and then his league debut against Finn Harps that November.

In the 2021/22 season, he got a taste of the Under-19 UEFA Youth League, featuring in a two-legged tie against Red Star Belgrade before he joined Tottenham at the start of the 2022/23 season.

Having been a regular between the sticks for Spurs’ Under-21s in the first half of that maiden season in England, it was the following campaign that saw Josh experience his first taste of senior football where he made 18 appearances on loan at Barnet in the National League.

However, last season was a breakthrough campaign for the stopper. He made his debut for the Orient in a League Cup tie against Brentford, scored that goal in November and went on to make a total of 45 appearances in all competitions.

He broke a club record while at Brisbane Road when keeping seven consecutive clean sheets in all competitions in December and ended the season by helping them to the play-off final.

Josh is also no stranger to the international scene, having represented Ireland at under-17 and 19 level and has also previously been called up to their under-21 squad.

Welcome to Luton Town, Josh!