ESSENDON has signed its first international rookie, with Irishman Michael Quinn to join the club after an impressive trial in September.

Quinn, 19 in January, is from County Longford and has already made the move to Melbourne, staying with an Irish family to help his adjustment.

He will work closely with assistant coach Alan Richardson, who played a key role in Collingwood defender Marty Clarke's development before crossing to Windy Hill eight weeks ago.

List manager Adrian Dodoro said Quinn had the attributes required to embark on an AFL career.

"He is very athletic and we were impressed with his physical ability and good attitude," he said in a statement released by the club.

"Michael is very keen to learn and hungry to succeed so we think that gives him a good chance to play AFL football for Essendon.

"The big issue for him and all Irish recruits is his skill level, particularly his kicking, so we will need to put plenty of work into that area.

"Also, Gaelic football doesn't require the tackling skills that are so important in AFL so he will have to learn to lay a strong tackle and break tackles from opponents."

Dodoro added that Quinn will be involved in full training from January in the hope of playing at half-back for VFL affiliate Bendigo.

Quinn believes his speed and skills in Gaelic football will hold him in good stead, but is aware of the work that awaits him if he is to play at the elite level.

"Probably ball skills is the main thing to work on but when you work on that you can't forget your fitness and you can't forget that you have to bulk up a bit so you have to keep all three going at the same time to progress," he said.

"It was a big decision to move but something I always wanted to do was play professional football so I jumped at the chance.

"I heard that Essendon was a big club, one of the top premierships clubs, and I had heard of Collingwood with Marty Clarke and Carlton and Sydney with their Irish fellas. It's (AFL) pretty big back home."

Quinn admits that being away from his family has been tough but the support of his teammates has made it easier to settle in.

He will be one of six rookie-listed players for Essendon in 2009.