Rotherham United striker Ciaran McGuckin signs loan deal with Dundalk

Ciaran McGuckin

Ciaran McGuckin Credit: Dundalk FC/Ciaran Culligan

Ciaran McGuckin has signed a loan deal with Dundalk from Rotherham United ahead of their 2024 campaign.

The Leeds native began his journey in Rotherham's academy at the age of 11 and advanced through the ranks, making his senior debut for the club in a 5-0 victory over Manchester United's U21 side to lift the EFL Trophy in October 2021.

Now 20, the Northern Ireland Under-21 striker spent a successful loan spell with Scarborough Athletic for the 2022/23 season, making 24 appearances and scoring 6 goals.

McGuckin will spend his first loan stint overseas with the Lilywhites under Stephen O'Donnell until the summer.

He is the second new addition up front for Dundalk after the recent signing of Scotland's Jamie Gullan from Raith Rovers on Tuesday.

The pair have big shoes to fill following the departure of Daniel Kelly and former fan favourite Patrick Hoban, who left the club for Derry this transfer window.

Hoban, who secured over 150 goals for Dundalk prior to his departure, has set a high standard for McGuckin ahead of the 2024 league campaign.