General
- Thursday December 7th, 2023 @ 14:20
McLaughlin Extends Saints Contract
Jon Daly has continued to build his 2024 squad by confirming that defender Ryan McLaughlin has signed a new contract with St Patrick's Athletic.
Ryan joined the club at the end of July transfer window and made four appearances in the second-half of last season.
He made his debut from the start in the 1-0 league win away to UCD AFC on August 25th, before featuring off the bench in the 2-1 defeat to Shelbourne.
McLaughlin started and played the full game in our 2-1 FAI Cup quarter final win away to Finn Harps, assisting Tommy Lonergan's winner with a clever quick throw in.
He also played a key role in our FAI Cup semi-final win in Cork, supplying the cross for Mark Doyle's opener in the 2-0 victory.
McLaughlin said:
"I'm delighted to have signed a new deal with St Pat's and I'm really excited for the season to start, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone back at Richmond Park in 2024."
Manager Jon Daly said:
"We're delighted that Ryan has extended his contract with us and we're looking forward to having a player of his ability and experience in the group for the new season.
Ryan made a positive impact in the second-half of last season, particularly in the cup games at Finn Harps and Cork, where he got assists for goals in both matches and played brilliantly.
Ryan has great experience, having played over 100 games in England and Scotland in recent years, and been capped five times by his country.
He's an excellent defender and has also showed his attacking attributes since joining us.
He is also an excellent person to have around the club off the pitch and a great influence on our squad and our younger players."
The 29-year-old right-back has been capped five times at senior international level by Northern Ireland.
He joined Liverpool from Glenavon in 2011 and featured for their U18s, U21s and U23s as well as having loan spells at Barnsley and Aberdeen.
Ryan joined Oldham Athletic in August 2016 and spent two years at Boundary Park, making 52 appearances.
The Belfast native moved to Blackpool in July 2018 before leaving for Rochdale in January 2019.
McLaughlin played 50 times for Rochdale before signing for Morecambe in September 2021.
