James Furlong makes Motherwell move on loan from Brighton

James Furlong in action for the Ireland u19 team in 2019

James Furlong in action for the Ireland u19 team in 2019 Credit: Robert Goggins (ETPhotos)

James Furlong will play out the rest of this season in Scotland having made the move to Motherwell on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The full back joined Brighton in 2019 having made one first team appearance for Shamrock Rovers as a 16-year-old – starting in Oriel Park in Rovers’ 2-1 defeat to Dundalk.

The 20-year-old has played mostly with Brighton’s under-21 side this season but made his first-team debut as a sub in an EFL Cup tie against Forest Green back in August.

He was named on the bench for Brighton in October for their Premier League match against Chelsea.

Motherwell manager Steven Hammell speaking about his new signing to his club’s media team said: “James is a young player who came highly recommended to us from Brighton.

“It’s a good opportunity for him and is seen as a potential first-team player for Brighton so we feel this is a great move for both parties.”

Motherwell currently sit tenth in the 12 team Scottish Premiership and his new side face St. Johnstone on Wednesday evening at home before a trip to Aberdeen this coming Saturday.

Furlong becomes the fourth player in the Steelmen’s squad, all of whom have played League of Ireland football - Ross Tierney (ex-Bohs), Jake Carroll (ex-Pats) and Shane Blaney (ex-Finn Harps and Sligo Rovers).