Northern Irish Internationals secure new Clubs

Although it seems like a short time, over a quarter of the transfer window has already passed by.  Clubs are beginning to hasten things up in order to sign players before the season starts. This week, two of Northern Ireland’s long serving players changed clubs while many more international hopefuls have also switched in the search for first team football.

Northern Ireland international Aaron Hughes has signed for Brighton & Hove Albion. The Tyrone man joined the club after his short term contract at Queens Park Rangers expired. Hughes has so far clocked up ninety appearances for Northern Ireland, scoring once against the Faroe Islands.

Another Northern Irish international on the move was Hughes’ former Fulham teammate Chris Baird. The defender signed a one-year contract with West Bromwich Albion. He joins after his short term deal at Burnley ran out.  Baird has also been a mainstay in the international squad, making over sixty appearances.

Jonathan Steele is yet another Northern Irish international that has changed clubs. The midfielder has moved from the U.S. to Australia, as he signed for the Newcastle Jets after playing for the New York Red Bulls. The 28 year-old has been a recent call-up to the international squad under Michael O’Neill and he only made his debut back in November 2013.

Kilmarnock have completed the signing of striker Josh Magennis. The former Glentoran and Lisburn Distillery player joins the club from Aberdeen.  Magennis has been capped three times at international level for Northern Ireland.

Kilmarnock have also signed Monaghan born Mark Connolly. The defender joins from Crawley Town on a three-year deal. Connolly has represented the Republic of Ireland at U21 level.

Back in England, Dublin born Mark Byrne has joined newly promoted Newport County in League Two. The 25 year-old signs on from Barnet, where he spent three years and made over one hundred appearances.

Another player who will be in League Two next season is Daniel Kearns. The midfielder has moved to League Two side Carlisle United from Peterborough United. The former Dundalk player joins on a two-year contract. Kearns currently plays at U21 and U23 level for the Republic of Ireland.

Michael Collins has signed a one-year deal at Oxford United. The former U18 and U21 Republic of Ireland international joins the club from Scunthorpe United. He finished last season on loan at AFC Wimbledon.

Finally, Anton Rodgers has signed for League One club Swindon Town. The midfielder joins from Oldham Athletic. Rodgers, who is the son of Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, was capped twice at U19’s for the Republic of Ireland.