'He just wanted more game time': Mark Mbuli leaves Finn Harps

Attacker Mark Mbuli has been released by Finn Harps.

The 19-year-old Ballybofey man, who joined from Institute at the start of 2024, has departed after finding game time hard to come by in recent weeks.

Mbuli scored a dramatic debut winner against Longford Town in the opening game of the season.

In all, Mbuli played ten games, including two starts, but has not played at all since appearing as a sub in the 1-0 defeat at Bray Wanderers in early May.

The arrival of Sean Patton pushed Mbuli further down the order and the youngster will seek first team football elsewhere.

“Mark just wanted more game time,” Harps manager Darren Murphy said after Thursday's 1-0 win over Kerry.

“He came to me and he knew the (Sean) Patton one was close and Aaron McLaughlin has come back off the treatment table.

“I be honest with players and I just said to him at the moment that with the front three who started tonight and then Max Johnston, it was going to be a long way back.

“I don't want people to waste a career by sitting on the bench. He understood why and I wish Mark all the best.

“I have put him in contact with other clubs. My advice to him was that he needs to play.”

Conor Walsh and Chris Lotefa, who were on loan, have returned to Sligo Rovers and Bohemians, while Sean O'Donnell has gone to the United States on a scholarship with Shane McMonagle now back at his native Aileach FC.