Irish League sides linked with NI youth international impressing in Scotland

Coleraine and Glentoran are being linked with a move for Hibs defender Kyle McClelland. The 22-year-old is going into the final year of his contract at Easter Road.

The Daily Record reports that both the Glens and the Bannsiders are keen on bringing McClelland to the Irish League. The former Northern Ireland Under-21 international had been deemed surplus to requirements at Hibs under Nick Montgomery.

It now remains to be seen if Daivd Gray re-opens the door for McClelland or if a deal can be agreed for a switch to the Irish Premiership. McClelland has spent the last two seasons on-loan at Cove Rangers and Queen of the South.

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The Glasgow-born youngster was named as the Doonhamers’ player of the year last season. McClelland spent seven years at Rangers coming through the youth ranks at Ibrox.

He decided to leave the Gers following the expiration of his contract back in 2022 despite being offered a new deal by the club. McClelland decided to make the switch to Hibs signing a three-year deal.

Loan moves to Cove Rangers and Queen of the South followed, where he made 31 appearances for the Scottish League One club last season. McClelland has played for Northern Ireland at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level.

Both Coleraine and Glentoran are in the process of rebuilding their squad following a large number of departures at The Oval and The Showgrounds since the end of the season.

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