Bohemian FC is delighted to confirm that Markuss Strods has signed a new contract until the end of the 2027 season.
The Latvian U19 international joined the Bohemians U20s from Dundalk in 2023, and made his senior league debut off the bench against Waterford last month.
The 18-year-old made his first senior start in Bohemians’ 7-0 FAI Cup win over Killester-Donneycarney, netting the opener for his first goal for the club before helping himself to a second.
Prior to the game, Strods was rewarded with a new contract and manager Alan Reynolds said: “I am delighted that Markuss has committed his future to the club.
“He has been in with us regularly now since doing his Leaving Cert and we’ve really liked what we have seen from him and how he is developing.
“He knows he has to work hard to push on but we can already really see the improvements he has made since starting full-time training.
“He is a really exciting talent and he is a player who likes to dribble past players, which is rare these days, he has two great feet and as fans saw on Friday, he has an eye for goal too so we are excited for what the future holds for him.”
Strods said: “To sign a new contract is obviously a really proud moment so to cap it off by scoring on my first start for the club at Dalymount was a special moment for me and for my family as well.
“I was absolutely buzzing on Friday. It was a bit surreal. Before the game the players encouraged me to just go and play and to show what I can do so I’m glad to have had the opportunity to do that.
“But it was straight back into training on Sunday. It’s tough trying to break into the first team but I am playing at U20s and doing well, and working hard to progress.
“I love the club, I’ve been here for two years now and the older lads in the group are very encouraging to the younger players like myself. There is a lot of experience in the dressing room so I’m really enjoying the step-up and I want to push myself on now.”