Bristol Rovers announced the signing of of left back Leahy on a free transfer on Tuesday night.

The defender has plenty of experience in League One, having played for Walsall for the last two seasons, missing just two league games during that time, before being released this summer following the club's relegation.

To get the inside line on the new Gas man Bristol Live spoke to the Express and Star's Walsall reporter Joseph Masi who has watched Leahy play week-in, week-out, home and away for the last two seasons.

Luke Leahy has signed for Bristol Rovers
Luke Leahy has signed for Bristol Rovers

Here is what he had to say:

What type of player is he?

He's an attacking full-back, or wing-back, with a wand of a left foot. Leahy can also play on the left of midfield. Character-wise he is a model professional, committed and will give his all every week. His crossing is very good and he's also a very forward-thinking player, he always tries to be positive in possession. He's also very effective at clipping balls over the top for strikers to latch onto.

Why has he moved on from Walsall?

Multiple reasons really. The last two years at the Banks's Stadium have been tough for everybody. I think a lot of people need a fresh start and Luke falls into that category. He was out of contract and I'm sure he felt the time had come for a new challenge. He also had a difficult relationship with a section of Walsall's fan base.

What did fans make of him?

He did have a tough time of it with some fans. As said the last two years have been tough for everybody. Nobody was convinced of the team under former manager Jon Whitney. And for some reason - I'm really not sure why - Leahy became the poster boy for that side.

Then last year the team were relegated, with a lot of players coming in for fierce criticism. At former club Falkirk however, Leahy was a real fan favourite.

What's his best position?

When he joined the Saddlers he was told he would play wing-back. However, they went on to play a back four. It would have been interesting to see him there more often. For us though he was a left-back.

What are his strengths and weaknesses?

His main strength is his left-foot which boasts genuine quality. His crossing is excellent and he is also a danger from set-pieces. He is also a lot better in the air than people give him credit for. Plus, he is a leader.

His weakness is his positioning defensively, he is converted winger at the end of the day and he will be the first to admit he is still learning and developing as a full-back.