NEW Accrington Stanley boss Paul Cook wants yesterday's loan signing of Hull winger Jamie Devitt to be the start of his Irish recruitment drive.

The Republic of Ireland under 21 international has joined Stanley on an initial month’s loan and is expected to be on the bench for this afternoon’s home game against Plymouth as he settles into life at the Crown Ground.

Cook was keen to add more natural width to the squad and is also eager to bring some of the best Irish talent to Stanley.

The 44-year-old this week left Sligo Rovers to become Stanley’s new boss, following John Coleman, and will consider raiding his old club and the rest of Ireland for players in the summer.

Former Stanley star Rommy Boco is currently at Sligo, along with highly-rated former Blackburn youth centre back Gavin Peers.

“Ireland is a hotbed for football and it’s an area we’re going to look at to bring players in,” Cook said.

“Some teams have spent a lot of money in our league so in England they will get the best players.

“We’re looking to areas where we can bring players in we can afford.

“I’m looking forward to going back to Sligo to try to bring players in, and anywhere else in Ireland that I can.

“But if you’re going to come to our club you’ll come for a reason, to make us better.”