Sam Bone is returning to Ireland after leaving Maidstone - where he’ll be playing for a Premier League icon.

Bone has signed for League of Ireland leaders Shelbourne, who are managed by ex-Chelsea winger Damien Duff.

The former 100-cap Republic of Ireland international won two Premier League titles with the Blues under Jose Mourinho.

He also played for Blackburn, Newcastle and Fulham during a top-flight career spanning almost 400 appearances.

Bone, 25, will link up with Shels on July 1, when the summer transfer window opens, and could finish with a title medal.

They’re in a two-way scrap with Derry for the championship, two points clear with a game in hand and 14 matches to play.

Bone, who can play in midfield or defence, spent six years in Ireland after leaving Charlton.

He won the FAI Cup with St Patrick’s in 2021, having also played for Shamrock Rovers, Waterford and Dundalk.

He joined hometown club Maidstone in January 2023, helping them to the FA Cup fifth round and National League South play-off semi-finals, but was released at the end of last season.

“We are all delighted that Sam has agreed to come back to his adopted country,” Duff told Shelbourne’s website.

“He has tremendous technical ability and can play a host of positions to a very high level.

“We are all very excited to see Sam represent this Dublin institution.”

Bone previously worked with Duff at Shamrock and is delighted to be reunited with him.

“I’m so excited to join the club,” he said. “The chance to work with the gaffer was a huge opportunity that I’m really excited for having worked with him when I was younger.”