With increased investment across Northern Ireland’s top-flight, clubs are now casting their net wider when it comes to recruitment and can value previous Irish League experience as they assess targets.
Here's a list of 10 players who have spent time at Irish League clubs and are currently available on free transfers having departed their teams in England and Scotland.
1. Shayne Lavery
The highest profile former Irish League player currently available as a free agent, Shayne Lavery was released by Cambridge United after helping them seal League One promotion. Northern Ireland international Lavery won two Premiership titles and scored 45 goals across 84 appearances for Linfield before joining Blackpool. His time in England has been impacted by injuries but he'll likely have admirers across the water. Photo: INPHO/Brian Little
2. Daniel Finlayson
Daniel Finlayson is leaving Livingston this summer after making 35 Scottish Premiership appearances last term. He was a top performer for Linfield across his two seasons in Belfast in 2022/23 and 2023/24, playing 67 league games. The 25-year-old is another who will have plenty of interest across the water. Photo: Presseye/Stephen Hamilton
3. Noah Stewart
Noah Stewart scored nine goals in 28 Premiership appearances for Ballymena United before joining English non-league outfit Maidenhead United in January 2025. The 22-year-old, who also spent time at Linfield, is departing this summer after a loan spell at Welling United. Photo: INPHO/Evan Logan
4. Sam Ashford
Cliftonville's Irish Cup final goal hero Sam Ashford is a free agent after leaving National League outfit Woking, who are now managed by Jermain Defoe. He scored six goals in 23 league appearances during a sole season at Solitude before joining Wealdstone. He enjoyed loan spells at AFC Totton and Hampton & Richmond Borough last term. Photo: INPHO/Presseye/Stephen Hamilton