Alex McIlmail was only aged 15 years 01 month 26 days when he was introduced off the bench in Glenavon's 5-1 Premiership victory over Carrick Rangers in February 2016. Two months later he made a first start against Linfield before going on to spend time at the likes of PSNI, H&W Welders and Donaghadee. Now 23, McIlmail is starring for Amateur League outfit Abbey Villa, scoring 12 times as they gained Premier Division promotion last term.placeholder image
Alex McIlmail was only aged 15 years 01 month 26 days when he was introduced off the bench in Glenavon's 5-1 Premiership victory over Carrick Rangers in February 2016. Two months later he made a first start against Linfield before going on to spend time at the likes of PSNI, H&W Welders and Donaghadee. Now 23, McIlmail is starring for Amateur League outfit Abbey Villa, scoring 12 times as they gained Premier Division promotion last term.

RANKED: The 15 youngest players to make an Irish League appearance since 2009 - where are they now?

The Irish League has provided a platform for an array of young stars to live their Premiership dreams and even helped some make life-changing moves across the water.

According to Transfermarkt, 19 players aged 15 have had an opportunity to shine in Northern Ireland’s top-flight since the 2009/10 season, but where are they now? Let’s have a look!

NOTE: All player and age data is courtesy of Transfermarkt

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