Northern Ireland youth international midfielder joins the Shrimps

Midfielder John Joshua (JJ) McKiernan is the latest player to join Morecambe FC.

Following his departure from Watford FC, Derek Adams has moved quickly to snap up the 21-year-old highly rated playmaker who is a youth international for Northern Ireland.

JJ came through the youth ranks at Watford FC spending time on loan at Bohemians in 2022 before joining Eastleigh last season. During his time on loan in the National League last term, McKiernan was part of the Eastleigh side that narrowly missed out on the play-offs, making 22 appearances for The Spitfires, scoring twice in the process.

McKiernan joins Morecambe FC on a one-year deal.

On the signing of McKiernan, Manager Derek Adams said: “JJ is still a young, raw talent but we believe we can help him develop here. He comes with a variety of experiences at different levels and our job is to help him continue his progression in men’s senior football.”

“We are delighted that JJ has joined us, and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve at Morecambe FC.”

JJ added on signing for the Shrimps: “I am really pleased to be here and to be given this opportunity by the manager. Morecambe is a good club and somewhere that I feel I can progress in the next stage of my journey.”

“Obviously last season I was in the National League so this is another step up but one I am really relishing and I can’t wait to get started now.”