Saints welcome Northern Ireland international Ryan McLaughlin

St Patrick's Athletic have announced the signing of Northern Ireland international Ryan McLaughlin.

28-year-old McLaughlin is an experienced right-back, with five senior caps for Northern Ireland to his credit. His footballing journey began at Glenavon, before making a significant move to Liverpool in 2011.

While at Liverpool, McLaughlin honed his skills with the club's U18s, U21s and U23s, and also enjoyed loan periods at Barnsley and Aberdeen.

McLaughlin's path then led him to Oldham Athletic in 2016, where he made 52 appearances in a two-year spell.

A move to Blackpool followed in 2018, before transferring to Rochdale in 2019. More recently, McLaughlin featured in Morecambe's line-up, with his stint at the club beginning in September 2021.

On his signing with St Patrick's Athletic, McLaughlin expressed his enthusiasm, "The move has happened quite quickly and I'm really happy to be a St Patrick's Athletic player."

He credits positive discussions with Jon Daly and Eoin Doyle, as well as the evident energy surrounding the club, as major factors in his decision.

"From seeing the clips and videos online, St Pat's is in a really good place at the moment, the crowds and the atmospheres look brilliant too," he added.

The Belfast native had been the subject of interest from teams in the US, England, the Irish League, and the League of Ireland in recent weeks and months, but is thrilled to have joined The Saints.

Manager Jon Daly is equally pleased with McLaughlin's arrival, praising his experience and skill level.

"We're delighted to get a player of Ryan's calibre into the club," Daly said.

"He's got great experience and at 28, he is a good age for our group. We are looking forward to working with him and seeing him on the pitch."