Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of Alex McAlister on a season-long loan from Larne.

The highly-rated 18-year-old midfielder recently spent time with English Premier League side Brentford, training with their first team.

Alex made his first team debut for Larne in 2024 before his maiden league appearance in the 2-0 home win over Cliftonville in March of this year as the Inver Park side closed in on their third Premiership title in four seasons.

City Manager Stuart King is delighted to welcome the young star to The Showgrounds.

“Our relationship with Larne is outstanding,” said King.

“Gary [Haveron, Larne Manager] and I are quite tight. We’ve got Albert Watson, their Under-20 Manager, while Keith O’Hara has worked tirelessly in the background to help us out.

“Alex has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the country. He’s been to Brentford for the last few weeks. He had numerous other clubs after him, but he feels everything about our football club can give him the experience he needs to become a top midfielder,” added King.

“I’m absolutely delighted we’ve got him. I genuinely think it’s a smashing move for the club. It’s great for us, but it will also put Alex in the limelight because I genuinely believe he’s going to be a really, really good player.”

“It’s great to get signed with Newry for the season. It’s been a long pre-season so I’m looking forward to getting started here,” said Alex, who is available for selection for tomorrow’s BOYLE Sports Championship opener away to Ballinamallard United.

“It’s been a great experience having been over with Brentford recently. The aim is to use what I’ve learnt there, training and playing at a high level, and bring it to my time with Newry.”

We would like to thank Keith O’Hara and Larne FC for their help in this deal.