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?

Johnny Morton
By Johnny Morton

Sports Journalist

Published 10th Nov 2024, 17:08 GMT
Updated 10th Nov 2024, 17:19 GMT

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

Ethan Warnock made his Glentoran league debut aged 15 years 10 months 02 days against Ballinamallard United in December 2016. He spent time in Everton's academy before returning to Northern Ireland with Ballymena United and also enjoyed spells at Dundela, H&W Welders and Lisburn Distillery. Now 23, Warnock plays for Amateur League side Tullycarnet.

13. Ethan Warnock (Glentoran)

Ethan Warnock made his Glentoran league debut aged 15 years 10 months 02 days against Ballinamallard United in December 2016. He spent time in Everton's academy before returning to Northern Ireland with Ballymena United and also enjoyed spells at Dundela, H&W Welders and Lisburn Distillery. Now 23, Warnock plays for Amateur League side Tullycarnet. Photo: Andrew Paton/Press Eye

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Charlie Allen held Linfield's record for youngest player before it was broken by the aforementioned Braiden Graham. Having made his debut aged 15 years 10 months 20 days in October 2019, Allen departed for Leeds United before returning to Windsor Park during the summer.

14. Charlie Allen (Linfield)

Charlie Allen held Linfield's record for youngest player before it was broken by the aforementioned Braiden Graham. Having made his debut aged 15 years 10 months 20 days in October 2019, Allen departed for Leeds United before returning to Windsor Park during the summer. Photo: Stephen Hamilton

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The newest entrant, Brandon Downey came on for his Premiership debut in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Loughgall at Seaview aged 15 years 10 months 25 days, making him the league's second-youngest player of this season behind Chris Atherton. The four remaining 15-year-olds that don't make the top-15 list are Matthew Burns, Matthew Shevlin, Kalum Thompson and Ryan O'Kane.

15. Brandon Downey (Crusaders)

The newest entrant, Brandon Downey came on for his Premiership debut in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Loughgall at Seaview aged 15 years 10 months 25 days, making him the league's second-youngest player of this season behind Chris Atherton. The four remaining 15-year-olds that don't make the top-15 list are Matthew Burns, Matthew Shevlin, Kalum Thompson and Ryan O'Kane. Photo: Brian Little/PressEye

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