FINN HARPS is set to gain financially after Derry City’s Stephen McLaughlin signed today for Nottingham Forest.
Derry will get €200,000 for the left-sided winger from Clonmany.
And because he used to play for Harps, they are also entitled to a fee.
McLaughlin impressed during a recent week-long trial with the club.
Chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi said: “Stephen is an exciting young talent who has been attracting attention from a number of other English clubs.”
“We are delighted he is joining us and look forward to helping him develop his career and fulfilling his great potential,” he added.
McLaughlin was part of the Derry City side which won the FAI Cup in November.
McLaughlin caught the eye of Forest’s scouts with a string of impressive performances in the League of Ireland and had a week’s trial with the Club last month.
And he the club website: “Things are just going better and better each week for me. I came here on trial after I won the FAI Cup with Derry City.
“I was called back, completed my fitness test and medical, went home for Christmas and now I’m back again to sign.
“I’m not used to how professionally things are run here – this is my first major club. No disrespect to Derry, but this is a massive club and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.
“I heard that Alan Hill was coming over to have a look at me and I was excited, but there were a heap of scouts watching me throughout the season so I just played my normal game. Thankfully, he liked what he saw and brought me over.
“I’m a natural left winger. I do a lot of defending as well as attacking and have this year brought goals to my game – I scored 18 goals last season and created a lot, too. Hopefully I can do the same here.
“I’m 22. Playing in the development squad will be very important. It’ll allow me to get my bearings and to get a feel of how the game is played over here. Hopefully, from there, I’ll be called upon for the first team.”
And McLaughlin has revealed he is taking inspiration from Andy Reid as he prepares to launch his Forest career.
He adds: “I remember watching him on television when I was younger. Hopefully I can follow in his footsteps. He’s a good guy – I’ve spoken to him a few times and he wished me all the best.”
Another Derry player, Barry McNamee, also spent a week on trial with the Championship club, who appointed Alex McLeish as their manager last week.
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