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 made three Premiership appearances during the 2022/23 season and has racked up another six this term. Linked with a move to Chelsea, it's not expected Atherton will be around the Irish League for much longer.placeholder image
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 made three Premiership appearances during the 2022/23 season and has racked up another six this term. Linked with a move to Chelsea, it's not expected Atherton will be around the Irish League for much longer.

RANKED: The Irish League's next generation - 15 youngest players to make a Premiership appearance so far this season

By Johnny Morton
Published 31st Oct 2024, 14:58 GMT

The Irish League is packed full of quality young players and many have been handed a senior Premiership opportunity this term.

Here, we look at the 15 youngest stars that have made an appearance in Northern Ireland’s top-flight so far this season.

NOTE: Player and age data taken from Transfermarkt.

Harry Lynch has received plaudits from both Glenavon manager Stephen McDonnell and Lurgan Blues supporters after an impressive start to the season. He signed a three-year contract at Mourneview Park this summer and has made nine Premiership appearances this term, the first of which was aged 18 years 03 months 04 days.

13. Harry Lynch (Glenavon)

Harry Lynch has received plaudits from both Glenavon manager Stephen McDonnell and Lurgan Blues supporters after an impressive start to the season. He signed a three-year contract at Mourneview Park this summer and has made nine Premiership appearances this term, the first of which was aged 18 years 03 months 04 days. Photo: Alan Weir/Pacemaker Press

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Ryan Markey arrived at Cliftonville from Klub Kildare this summer and started in his first game - a 1-0 win over Dungannon Swifts at Solitude - aged 18 years 05 months 28 days. He has made seven league appearances for Jim Magilton's side.

14. Ryan Markey (Cliftonville)

Ryan Markey arrived at Cliftonville from Klub Kildare this summer and started in his first game - a 1-0 win over Dungannon Swifts at Solitude - aged 18 years 05 months 28 days. He has made seven league appearances for Jim Magilton's side. Photo: Cliftonville FC

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James Douglas has been a consistent presence in Glentoran's squad this season since making his first Premiership appearance against Coleraine in August aged 18 years 07 months. He then started four matches on the trot and has played 10 times in the league for Declan Devine's side.

15. James Douglas (Glentoran)

James Douglas has been a consistent presence in Glentoran's squad this season since making his first Premiership appearance against Coleraine in August aged 18 years 07 months. He then started four matches on the trot and has played 10 times in the league for Declan Devine's side. Photo: David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press

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