Luke McNicholas extends his loan at Cliftonville

Cliftonville have announced that Luke McNicholas will stay at the club until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper originally signed a five-month loan deal last August and has been in terrific form for the Irish League side since then.

McNicholas, on loan from Sligo Rovers, kept a clean sheet on his debut and has conceded eight goals in 14 appearances to date.

The 22-year-old began his career at Mayo club Manulla before joining Sligo Rovers’ academy in 2018. McNicholas spent five months on loan at Finn Harps last year but failed to make a start for the Donegal outfit.

He then returned after the summer break to challenge Ireland under 21 international Ed McGinty for the number one shirt. After McGinty suffered an ankle injury in July, McNicholas started both of Rovers Europa Conference League qualifiers versus Hafnarfjardar, although the Bit O’Red lost 3-1 on aggregate. McNicholas started for Liam Buckley’s side against Longford and Waterford in last seasons Premier Division. He also featured in July’s first round FAI Cup defeat to Cork City.

The shot stopper has represented the Republic of Ireland at under-21 and under-18 level.

Cliftonville are currently in second place in the Irish League, two points behind leaders Linfield. They stormed past Islandmagee in last weekends Irish cup first round tie, winning 5-0. The Belfast side also have a League Cup final to look forward to in March, when they face Coleraine.

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