Larne manager Gary Haveron believes Northern Ireland international Sam McClelland will bring “presence, leadership and composure on the ball” after the former Chelsea youngster became the latest arrival at Inver Park.
McClelland came through the ranks at Limavady Youth and Coleraine before earning a dream move to the Premier League giants in 2018.
The 24-year-old spent five years on the books at Stamford Bridge and gained senior experience during a loan move to League Two outfit Barrow.
McClelland departed the Blues for Scottish side St Johnstone ahead of the 2023/24 campaign but missed most of the past two seasons through injury.
Larne manager Gary Haveron welcomes Sam McClelland to Inver Park. (Photo by Larne FC)placeholder image
Larne manager Gary Haveron welcomes Sam McClelland to Inver Park. (Photo by Larne FC)
With McClelland, who made his senior Northern Ireland debut against Ukraine in June 2021, now back fully fit, Haveron believes he can make a big impact for the reigning Premiership champions.
McClelland’s arrival helps fill the void left by the departures of Linfield-bound Ryan Nolan and Cian Bolger – the latter missed the entirety of last season’s title triumph through injury.
“Sam is a player I’ve always liked,” said Haveron. “He is a player who has been tipped for big things from an early age.
"He went to Chelsea as a youngster and had a very successful loan at Barrow as part of it.
“He unfortunately picked up a bad injury and was maybe too brave for his own good, trying to play through it when he probably should have been taken out.
“He is back fully fit now; he flew through his medical. I’m really excited to see Sam in Larne shirt, because he had the potential to be one of the best centre halves in the Irish League.
“He’s shown his class and ability throughout his career. He’s capped Northern Ireland at underage levels and has a full international cap to his name.
“Sam is also hungry to kick on. He will bring a presence, leadership and composure on the ball – so we’re delighted to bring him to the club.”