Aberdeen have signed Northern Ireland youth international defender Noah McDonnell on a two-year deal.
The highly-rated teenager joins the Dons from NIFL Premiership side Larne FC for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.
McDonnell, 16, had a successful trial period at Cormack Park and will now join Aberdeen’s development side.
Right-sided defender McDonnell has captained Northern Ireland at under-15 and U16 level, including in the recent Victory Shield.
Aberdeen Youth Academy director Stuart Glennie revealed McDonnell’s leadership qualities were clear during his trial period.
Aberdeen teenage defender ‘identified as an emerging talent’
Glennie said: “Noah was a player that was first spotted by our Northern Ireland lead scout Gareth Elder.
“He has subsequently been followed closely with our head of youth academy recruitment Jim Fraser.
“He is a right-sided defender that has played at youth international level for Northern Ireland, where he has also captained his country for a two-year period, most notably recently at the Victory Shield in Wales.
“Noah is one we identified as an emerging talent and he enjoyed a successful trial period at Cormack Park where he performed well and demonstrated clear leadership qualities.
“As a youth academy, we always strive to bring players through our ranks, but we have to be aware of potential top talents further afield.
“We thank Larne for their co-operation with the transfer of Noah.”
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