Rory Finneran
Personal information
Date of birth (2008-02-29) 29 February 2008
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Blackburn Rovers
Number 42
Youth career
0000–2024 Blackburn Rovers
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 5 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:56, 7 January 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 17:01, 7 January 2024 (UTC)

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

Career

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]

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.[6] 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.[7]

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. ↑ 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.
  7. ↑ Sharpe, Rich (1 July 2023). "Blackburn Rovers prodigy Rory Finneran earns international acclaim". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
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