COLERAINE FC is delighted to strengthen our goalkeeping department by agreeing a loan deal for Aidan Harris…

The custodian makes the move to The Showgrounds on a temporary basis from parent club Newcastle United.

The 18-year-old joined the Toon’s youth set-up in 2017 and made his first-team debut in a pre-season friendly last year against the A-League All-Stars.

Furthermore, Harris was the recipient of the Wor Jackie award – presented to the club’s young Player of the Year in 2024.

He was also named on the bench for the Magpies during their Champions League campaign away at AC Milan in 2023.

Michael Dougherty, Head of Goalkeeping, shared his views on our latest arrival.

“Aidan’s services were in high demand and he had numerous clubs wanting to bring him in,” he said.

“It’s a huge boost for the club that after our discussions he felt Coleraine was where he wanted to come and play his football.

“Aidan is a young goalkeeper in age but very mature and driven.

“He has serious ability on the ball and an unbelievable desire to be the best. I loved that about him during our discussions.

“Progressing through the ranks at a top Premier League club is difficult enough, especially as a young goalkeeper, but Aidan has done that at Newcastle United with flying colours.

“He has developed into a goalkeeper who is now ready for the demands of full time professional football in a first-team environment.

“He’s had some fantastic learning experiences along the way, being named on the bench for their UCL game against AC Milan and also in the Premier League. He’s now ready to go and show how good he is.

“A massive thanks to Tony Caig and the staff at Newcastle for allowing Aidan to choose Coleraine and allowing us to be part of his development.”

First-team boss Ruaidhri Higgins stated: “Aidan comes to the club after a great learning experience at Newcastle United so far.

“We know he is highly thought of at Newcastle…so it’s a massive coup for us that he will gain senior experience with us.

“Immense credit must go to Michael for his hard work in identifying excellent goalkeepers for us since Ryan’s injury.

“We are delighted with the goalkeeping panel we have now assembled.”

Coleraine FC can confirm that Harris will wear the number 58 shirt and is eligible for today’s Sports Direct Premiership encounter against Larne.