Luke O'Donnell signs first pro contract at Derry City

Buncrana teenager Luke O’Donnell has signed his first professional contract at Derry City.

The Buncrana native, who has been capped at underage level by the Republic of Ireland, has penned a 12-month deal at the Brandywell.

The 16-year-old, who moved to Derry from his schoolboy club Cockhill Celtic, has had no shortage of suitors recently.

“I’ve heard of interest from various places, but the most important thing for me right now is to work hard here and try to compete for a place in this team,” O’Donnell said.

"We have a lot of top quality players at the club, but I have confidence in myself and if I keep working hard I feel I can contribute to our season.

"There's a really good buzz about the squad heading into the new season. I'm really looking forward to it" he concluded.

O’Donnell made his first team debut for Derry at the end of the 2023 season against St Patrick’s Athletic.

"He has real potential and it's up to him to make the most of his opportunity,” Candystripes’ boss Ruaidhri Higgins said.

"It's important for him to keep working hard and to keep listening to the coaches, but he already knows that.

"We're aware that there has been interest in Luke from clubs outside of Ireland, but at just 16, he has time on his side.”