Northern Ireland international Shane Ferguson has completed a move to League of Ireland outfit Finn Harps, where he will work under ex-Ballymena United midfielder Patrick McEleney.

Ferguson had been a free agent since leaving English seventh-tier club Morpeth Town at the end of last term and kept sharp while taking part in the PFA’s pre-season training camps in England this summer.

The 35-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 home with Derry City.

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)

He made 13 appearances for the Candystripes, who were managed by ex-Larne chief Tiernan Lynch, during the 2025 campaign.

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

Ferguson’s latest move sees him join interim manager McEleney at Finn Harps, who currently sit eight points adrift at the bottom of the Republic of Ireland’s First Division.

They’ve eight league games remaining and Ferguson could make his debut in Friday’s trip to second-placed UCD.

McEleney confirmed his retirement from a successful playing career prior to taking over at Finn Harps last month on a deal until the end of this season.

He was joined by older brother Shane, who is currently on the books of Ballymena after a spell at Glentoran.

“We welcome Patrick to Finn Harps at an important moment for the club,” said Chairperson Ian Harkin at the time. “His knowledge of football in both the League of Ireland and the NIFL, his experience of what Irish clubs can achieve when professional structures are put in place, and his commitment to developing young players through our academy pathway made him the right appointment as we prepare for full time football.

“Having Shane join the staff until the end of the season adds further strength, and he knows this club well from his time playing here.

"Patrick will play a central role in laying these foundations, and further appointments within the football structure will be announced in the coming weeks.”