Durham have completed their first signing of the January transfer window with the addition of Peamount United goalkeeper Naoisha McAloon.
The Wildcats informed FAWSL Full-Time of the transfer via an official club press release this afternoon.
The 22-year-old keeper has moved overseas for the first time in her career and she will challenge Megan Borthwick for the number one jersey at new club Durham.
McAloon is yet to make her senior debut for the Republic of Ireland, however, she was recently invited into the squad by head coach Vera Pauw to cover for player absences. McAloon was a regular starter for the nation at various youth levels earlier in her career.
At club level, McAloon came through the youth ranks at Peamount United and has represented the club in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She won the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League with The Peas in 2019 and 2020 while there were widespread calls for her to be named in the league’s Team of the Year for 2021, although DLR Waves goalkeeper Eve Badana was preferred.
After completing her move to Durham, McAloon said “I’m delighted – it’s a great club to be a part of and I’m really looking forward to getting going and being part of the team.
“The standards are so high and the expectations from everyone are really high as well. It’s a demanding environment which is really good, and I’ve really enjoyed myself so far.
“Durham are always up there, so I’d love to help as much as I can and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
McAloon could be part of the Durham squad that travels to Lewes this weekend should international clearance be obtained.