Glentoran Football Club has announced that Academy graduate James McClure has signed a new professional contract before joining NIFL Championship side Ards on a season-long loan.

The new deal follows another outstanding season for the 18-year-old, who played a key role in the Seconds’ NIFL Premiership Development League title-winning campaign and finished as the league’s joint top scorer with 22 goals.

Having joined the Academy at Under-14 level, McClure has progressed through the ranks, lifting the Harry Cavan Youth Cup with the Under-18s before establishing himself as one of the standout performers in the club’s Development League-winning Seconds side.

A consistent goalscorer throughout his time at the Academy, the young striker has reached double figures in almost every season since joining the club. His move to Ards will now provide the opportunity to experience senior men’s football on a regular basis as he continues his development.

His performances have also earned representative honours, with McClure representing Northern Ireland Schools at Under-18 level while also being selected by the Independent Schools’ Football Association (ISFA) at Under-15 and Under-16 level.

Speaking after signing his new contract, James McClure said: “I’m really proud to sign a new contract with Glentoran. I’ve been at the club since I was 14, so it’s a special moment for me and my family.

“Last season was a good one for me. I played regularly for the Reserves, scored goals and helped the team win the league, which gave me a lot of confidence.

“Now I want to test myself in senior men’s football. I know it’ll be a different challenge, but it’s one I’m really looking forward to. I want to keep learning, keep improving, score goals and do everything I can to help Ards have a successful season.

“My aim is to come back to Glentoran a better player and be ready to compete for a place in the first-team squad.”

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “James has had an excellent season and we’re delighted to reward his progress with a new professional contract. He’s worked hard, scored goals consistently throughout the Academy and was a key part of the Seconds’ Development League title-winning campaign last season.

“The next step for James now is to experience senior men’s football on a regular basis. Ards will provide a really good environment for him to test himself, continue learning and experience the demands of the senior game.

“The plan is for James to return to Glentoran having gained that experience and be ready to compete for a place in our first-team squad. We’ll keep a close eye on his progress throughout the season and look forward to seeing how he develops.”

Paul Millar, Glentoran Sporting Director, said: “James’ has been one of the standout performers in our Development League-winning Seconds side and has consistently shown the qualities we look for in a young player.

“His progress is another reflection of the work being done across our Academy. Developing players who are capable of progressing into senior football is one of the club’s key objectives and we’re pleased to see James taking that next step.

“A season of regular senior football at Ards will provide another important stage in his development. It will expose him to the demands of the senior game week in, week out, while giving him the opportunity to continue improving in a competitive environment.

“We’ll continue to support James throughout the season and look forward to seeing his progress before welcoming him back to Glentoran.”