Derry City sign teenage striker David Parkhouse on loan from Sheffield United while Patrick McClean returns

Derry City have announced the signings of defender Patrick McClean from Sligo Rovers and striker David Parkhouse on a six-month loan from Sheffield United.

The signings bring Declan Devine’s squad to 15 ahead of the 2019 Premier Division season, with Ciaron Harkin having joined earlier this week from Coleraine in a swap deal for Ben Doherty.

McClean signs on a two-year-deal from Sligo after Derry agreed a fee with the Bit O’Red before Christmas.

The defender agreed terms and joins for his second stint with the Candystripes after previously playing for his hometown club between 2014 and 2016.

22-year-old McClean began in Derry’s under-19 squad before progressing to their senior squad in the 2015 season.

After making 12 appearances for Derry in 2016, he signed for Waterford the following the season and helped them to the First Division title before joining Sligo for the 2018 season.

“Patrick McClean knows the league really well and is a great signing for us,” Devine said following the announcement of the versatile defender, who can play at left-back and centre-back.

Northern Ireland under-21 striker Parkhouse has also joined from Sheffield United on a six-month loan deal.

The teenager, who had been on loan at Boston United since October, played for Maiden City Academy in Derry before he joined Sheffield United.

“David Parkhouse is a teenage striker who has been part of the Sheffield United set-up for a couple of years now,” said Devine.

“He has also been in the Northern Ireland underage panels and we believe he is an exciting prospect. David is joining us on a 6-month loan deal.”

Derry’s pre-season training begins on Thursday and work will continue to build their squad for the season ahead.

“We have had very little time off over Christmas and New Year as the work continues to build our squad.

“Today’s signings brings us up to 15 as we head into the start of pre-season tomorrow [Thursday],” Devine explained.

“There will however be no let-up on our part to add more quality to the existing panel and I’d expect more news on that front in the coming weeks.”