Gavin McAteer returns to Finn Harps squad after international duty

Gavin McAteer will return to the Finn Harps squad for Friday evening’s First Division meeting with Dundalk.

McAteer missed last weekend’s 2-0 defeat by Kerry at Mounthawk Park as he was on international duty with the Republic of Ireland U17s.

The 16-year-old from Milford will be back in Darren Murphy’s panel as Dundalk, relegated from the Premier Division in 2024, arrive in Ballybofey.

McAteer made his debut for the Ireland U17s off the bench in a 3-0 loss to Finland last Wednesday before he started in Saturday’s 4-3 win over Hungary, with both games placed in Spain.

“Gavin is back in again,” Harps manager Murphy confirmed. “He played a good period of minutes for the Ireland team and I was delighted for him. 

“That type of thing is recognition of the hard work being put in by every single person in the academy.

“I am proud that we have the youngest squad to represent Finn Harps in the League of Ireland.

“The opportunity for young players to come and perform and prove is here now. Young players are fortunate that Finn Harps is where it is because if their talents are good enough they will force their way through.”

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Striker Gavin Hodgins, who appeared as a second-half substitute against Kerry, will be absent having picked up an ankle injury. Hodgins, recruited from Shelbourne during the off-season, is likely to be out of action for two or three weeks while Aaron McLaughlin remains on the injured list.