Scottish Premiership club land former Linfield youngster 'we have been scouting for some time'
Falkirk manager John McGlynn believes Northern Ireland U21 international Aodhan Doherty “will be a very good asset for us” after the former Linfield youngster joined the Scottish club on a season-long loan from Blackburn Rovers.
Doherty made the move to Rovers from the Blues in 2024 after making nine Premiership appearances for David Healy’s side.
The 20-year-old played three times in the Championship for Blackburn last term after impressing for the club’s U21s and has been rewarded with a new four-year contract at Ewood Park before making a temporary switch to Scotland.
Doherty made his Falkirk debut just a matter of hours after his signing was confirmed, coming on as a second half substitute during Saturday’s 3-0 League Cup win over Stranraer.
He has joined fellow countryman Paul McGovern, who moved from Glenavon earlier this summer, at the Scottish top flight club and McGlynn has been tracking Doherty closely.
“Aodhan is 20 years old and can play out wide or as a number 10,” McGlynn told the club’s website. “He’s a player we’ve been on the lookout for and have been scouting for some time.
"We’ve been trying to get him up here as soon as possible, so we’re delighted to get him here now, ahead of the league season starting next week.
“He goes straight onto the bench today, with a view to getting him onto the pitch. It’s another part of the rebuild of the squad, and we’re hoping to bring some more news on another one next week.
“Aodhan broke into the Linfield first team at a very young age before earning a move to Blackburn Rovers, where he is highly thought of.
"We’ve been really impressed with what we’ve seen from him, and we believe this will be a good loan for both Aodhan and the club.
"We’re delighted to have him here and I’m sure he’ll be a very good asset for us.”
Doherty has scored seven goals in 31 Premier League 2 appearances across the past two seasons and is excited for an opportunity to continue building senior experience with the Bairns.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to have signed a new contract with the club,” Doherty told Blackburn’s website. "It means a lot to me and my family because I’ve really enjoyed my time here and worked very hard towards a second contract, so I’m just very grateful for the trust and belief that the club has shown in me and I’m ready to keep pushing on.
“Having that experience of being with the first team last season helped me a lot in terms of what I need to do and how I need to play to stay at that level.
"Seeing how everyone operates pushes me on more and more to have a good career.
“I’m delighted to now be joining Falkirk on loan.
"The main thing for me now is getting first team exposure and playing plenty of games in the SPL will really benefit me, so I’m just buzzing to get the loan done and excited for the season ahead.”