By David Williams
Newport County have signed their fifth new player this summer after landing former Republic of Ireland youth international Shane McLoughlin.
The 26-year-old midfielder has joined the League Two club on a two year del from Salford City.
Born in the Bronx, New York, his family moved to Ireland when he was five before he joined Ipswich Town as a scholar and young professional.
After loan spells at Bromley, he moved to AFC Wimbledon in January 2019 where he started to make his mark on the senior stage.
✍️ Shane McLoughlin >>> @NewportCounty ✅
Delighted to get this one over the line for @97Loughlin who has signed for Newport County 🙌
Big season pending 💪#NCAFC #SMcL #TeamSHM pic.twitter.com/g17HHu49gu
— Stephen Hunt Management (@TeamSHM_) July 10, 2023
Following 81 appearances for the Dons, he joined Morecombe in 2021 where he scored twice in 54 appearances for the League One side over an 18-month period.
McLoughlin, who won international honours at Under-16 and Under-18 level, joined Salford in the January transfer window, and featured in the club’s play-off semi-final victory over Stockport County.
His arrival at Rodney Parade comes as a welcome boost for Newport boss Graham Coughlin, who said: “Shane is another great addition to our squad. He’s a great footballer and will bring good experience and expertise in that area of the pitch.
“We’re very much looking forward to working with him as he shares the same hunger and desire as the rest of the squad.”
McLoughlin said: “I spoke with the manager last week and he’s explained what he wants out of me and what our ambitions are for this season, and I think it’s a great fit all round.
“I am really excited to get going, now I’m in the building.”
Newport have announced the signing of Shane McLoughlin ✍️
What do you make of that signing, Newport fans? 👀 #BBCFootball | #Exiles pic.twitter.com/S0kKuFEPeo
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) July 10, 2023
