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
9. Ceadach O'Neill (Linfield)
Another of Linfield's recent academy graduates, Ceadach O'Neill was 15 years 07 months 15 days when David Healy introduced him against Ballymena United last season. He made four appearances across competitions and recently moved to Premier League giants Arsenal, making a great start to life in London with their U18 team. Photo: PACEMAKER BELFAST
10. George Feeney (Glentoran)
George Feeney made his senior Glentoran debut aged 15 years 07 months 21 days against Newry City in September 2023. The Northern Ireland youth international has since moved to Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur and has received rave reviews. Photo: INPHO/Presseye/Brian Little
11. Liam Donnelly (Dungannon Swifts)
Liam Donnelly was aged 15 years 09 months 10 days when he played for Dungannon Swifts against Crusaders in December 2011. Donnelly moved to Fulham shortly after and also spent time with Crawley Town (loan), Hartlepool United, Motherwell and Kilmarnock, where he currently plays. He earned four senior caps for Northern Ireland. Photo: Darren Kidd/Presseye
12. Christopher Atherton (Glenavon)
Glenavon's Christopher Atherton, pictured after scoring in the Mid-Ulster Cup against Portadown, was aged 15 years 10 months 01 day when he came off the bench against Linfield in August. The Northern Ireland youth international has racked up seven appearances this term, including starting in Saturday's defeat to Glentoran. Linked with a move to Chelsea, it's not expected Atherton will be around the Irish League for much longer. Photo: Alan Weir/Pacemaker