CONOR NOSS has signed for newly-promoted Austrian top-flight side FC Blau-Weiss Linz.

Noss, 22, had been with Borussia Mönchengladbach since 2009 and made three first-team appearances in the 2021-22 season.

But he was back with their second string last season and, despite having a year left on his contract, decided to leave to gain more first-team experience.

He trained with Austrian Second Division outfit Grazer AK last week but has now signed for Linz who were promoted as champions last month.

It was the second time in three seasons that they won the title but were not promoted in 2021 as they had not applied for a Bundesliga licence.

Founded in 1997, the club has moved into a revamped stadium with a 5,595 capacity ahead of next season.

And Noss has signed a two-year deal with the option of a thirdin the hope of kickstarting his career there.

Noss – who has an Irish mother – said: « I’m very happy to be a player from FC Blau-Weiss Linz and I’m looking forward to the coming season.

“I can’t wait to play together with my teammates and in the new stadium in front of our fans. The challenge of developing myself further in a new country and environment spurs me on.”

The club has also signed Mehmet Ibrahimi from RB Leipzig and its sporting director Christoph Schösswendter said: « With Conor and Memo, we have been able to win over two incredibly talented and promising talents who will strengthen us qualitatively and were able to convince us in all respects last week.

“Being able to bring two players from Gladbach and Leipzig to us shows what a good path we have taken in recent years.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank those responsible at both clubs for the professional and respectful handling.”

Noss – who won 11 under-21 caps – could make his debut for his new club in an Austrian Cup tie against SV Wallen on Saturday.