HIGHLY-RATED CORK City defender Seán McLoughlin has signed a new contract with the SSE Airtricity League champions which will see him remain at Turner Cross until the end of 2019.
The 21-year-old has made a strong impression for the Leesiders since joining from UCC last summer, claiming both Premier Division and FAI Cup winners’ medals under John Caulfield last season.
“It’s mad really, how well it has gone for me,” he said after putting pen to paper on a new deal.
“I signed an 18 month contract this time last year and it was really about finding my feet for that first six months.
“I said to myself that I needed to kick on when I came back for pre-season, and I think I have done that. I just want to thank John and all of the coaching staff for the faith they have shown in me.”
Manager Caulfield reflected that the young central defender had made the transition from college football to League of Ireland seamlessly.
“We are delighted,” Caulfield said. “Seán has done fantastically well. Making the step up from UCC and the Irish Universities squad is difficult, but he has done well.
“At the start of the season, he was on the bench, but he got his chance and he has been phenomenal for us.
“His contract was expiring at the end of the season, so we wanted to extend it and Seán was delighted to do that. Even though he is relatively new to first team football, we have big hopes and big plans for him.”
McLoughlin has made 21 appearances for City so far this season, impressing in a backline which has conceded just 16 goals in 25 games.
After helping the club towards a first ever league and cup double last season, the defender added President’s Cup and Munster Senior Cup medals earlier this campaign, with City currently occupying second spot in the Premier Division.
“I think we are exactly where we want to be,” he added.
“We are in and around the top of the table, and we just have to make sure we keep putting in the performances every week.
“We have Europe now as well to look forward to, so that will be another good experience.”
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