Rory Finneran

Rory Finneran (born 29 February 2008) is an Irish footballer who plays for Newcastle United. In January 2024, he became Blackburn's youngest ever player, debuting in the FA Cup third round against Cambridge United.

Rory Finneran

Personal information
Date of birth	(2008-02-29) 29 February 2008 (age 16)
Position(s)	Midfielder
Team information
Current team	Newcastle United
Youth career
0000–2024	Blackburn Rovers
2024–	Newcastle United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2024	Blackburn Rovers	0	(0)
International career‡
2022–2023	Republic of Ireland U15	13	(0)
2023–	Republic of Ireland U17	14	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10:26, 17 February 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 18:36, 4 November 2024 (UTC)

Career

Blackburn Rovers

Described as a left-footed defensive midfield player, Finneran joined the Blackburn Rovers academy at eight years-old.^[1]

Finneran was named among the match day squad for Blackburn in the EFL Championship against Bristol City in December 2023 but was an unused substitute.^[2] He made his senior debut for Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup against Cambridge United on 6 January 2024.^[3] At 15 years-old, ten months and eight days, he became Blackburn’s youngest ever debutant.^[4] However, he was not allowed to wear a kit with the main Blackburn shirt sponsor, an electronic cigarette manufacturer, due to his young age.^[5]

Newcastle United

Finneran will join Newcastle United academy, a tribunal will be required to determine the compensation fee owed to Blackburn Rovers for young midfielder.^[6][7][8]

International career

A Republic of Ireland youth international, he first played for Ireland U15 against Cyprus U15 in 2022. He went on to play for Ireland at U16 and U17 levels, making his competitive debut in a 4-0 Euro U17 qualifying win over Armenia U17 in October 2023.^[9] He captained Ireland for the first time in a 3–1 victory over Australia U16s at the start of 2023. Finneran was named the Republic of Ireland’s under-15 player of the year in 2023.^[10]

Career Statistics

As of match played on 21 January 2025^[11]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			FA Cup		League Cup[a]		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Blackburn Rovers	2023–24[12]	Championship	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Newcastle United U21	2024–25[13]	–					1	0	–		1	0
Career total			0	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	2	0

1. Includes EFL Cup & National League Cup

References

1. Jackson, Elliot (14 December 2023). "Tomasson explains decision to include 15 year old on Blackburn bench". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
2. O’Rourke, Pete (1 January 2024). "Newcastle United ready formal move for Blackburn star Rory Finneran". Footballimsider247. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
3. "Blackburn debut for Irish 15-year-old Rory Finneran as Szmodics hits hat-trick". Irish Times. 6 January 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
4. "Blackburn Rovers 5–2 Cambridge United: Sammie Szmodics hits hat-trick as Championship side win in FA Cup". BBC Sport. 6 January 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
5. Stanley, Colman (6 January 2024). "15-Year-old Ireland Star Makes Blackburn History, But Can't Wear Official Kit". Balls.ie. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
6. "Tribunal to decide Finneran fee". Blackburn Rovers Official Site. 31 July 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
7. "Rory Finneran's Blackburn goodbye ahead of Newcastle move". Lancashire Telegraph. 31 July 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
8. "Record-breaking midfielder spotted at St James' Park as Newcastle United transfer confirmed". The Shields Gazette. 31 July 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
9. Fitzmaurice, Aidan (6 January 2024). "Blackburn boss praises 15-year-old Ireland underage cap Rory Finneran after making first-team debut". Independent.ie. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
10. Sharpe, Rich (1 July 2023). "Blackburn Rovers prodigy Rory Finneran earns international acclaim". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
11. Rory Finneran at Soccerway
12. Rory Finneran at Soccerway
13. Rory Finneran at Soccerway

External links

• Rory Finneran at Soccerbase