Morpeth Town AFC – a team plying their trade in the seventh-tier of English football – have confirmed the signing of Northern Ireland international Shane Ferguson.

Ferguson was most recently on the books of League of Ireland outfit Derry City, making 13 appearances for Tiernan Lynch’s side last term.

The 34-year-old has spent the majority of his career in England, signing for Newcastle United from Maiden City Academy in 2007 and went on to play 23 times in the Premier League for the Magpies.

Ferguson enjoyed spells at Birmingham City (loan), Rangers (loan), Millwall and Rotherham United before returning to Northern Ireland.

placeholder image — Northern Ireland’s Shane Ferguson is presented with his 50th Cap by Conrad Kirkwood, President of the Irish Football Association, in 2023. (Photo by William Cherry/Presseye)

The versatile left-sided player also racked up 57 international caps for Northern Ireland and was part of Michael O’Neill’s squad at Euro 2016.

Ferguson has now signed for Morpeth Town, who are based in Northumberland and play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division – they currently sit inside the relegation zone.

Morpeth are managed by former Sunderland attacker Craig Lynch and posted on social media: “We are delighted to announce the signing of experienced former Northern Ireland international Shane Ferguson! Welcome to Morpeth, Shane.”

Ferguson was amongst a number of high-profile signings made by former Larne manager Lynch at Derry City ahead of last season, joining fellow Northern Ireland internationals Gavin Whyte and Liam Boyce at the Brandywell.

After signing, he said: “I’m delighted to be coming home and once I had spoken with Tiernan and heard his plans for the club, it was a simple decision.

“Derry City is obviously a club I know a bit about and I’m well aware of how passionate that support base is. I’m really looking forward to doing my bit to hopefully bring success to the Brandywell.”