Irish League's top youngster joins Falkirk as Paul McGovern makes move from Glenavon

Falkirk boss John McGlynn expressed his delight at beating top clubs across the UK - including in the English Premier League - to the signing of Irish League teen sensation Paul McGovern.

The 18-year-old winger, who can play across the front line, was named Ulster Young Footballer of the Year for his strong showings at Glenavon. He picked up the award despite the Lurgan Blues’ relegation from the NIFL Premiership. In 35 league outings, McGovern scored eight goals and impressed enough to be tracked by a number of clubs from both sides of the Irish Sea.

And he joins the Bairns ahead of the club’s second season back in the Scottish Premiership having finished in the top six on their return season to the top flight following a 15-year absence. The Northern Ireland U19 international’s contract was expiring, an undisclosed fee was agreed between the clubs to make the deal happen with the attacker penning a three-year contract with Falkirk.

Our sister title, the News Letter, confirmed that the Bairns had beaten Premier League, English Championship, Irish League and other Scottish Premiership clubs to the signing of the talented Northern Irish youngster. The move is still subject to Scottish FA and international clearance.

John McGlynn delighted to sign winger

Speaking after signing McGovern, manager McGlynn said: “We have been tracking Paul for some time and have beaten many Scottish and English top level clubs to get his signature. Paul is an attacking player who can play across all front positions. He is a young player with huge potential and he is highly thought of within the international set up.

“It was nice to meet his mum and dad, along with his agent, at our home game against Motherwell in the top six split when they visited us to take a look at our club. They were very impressed with the atmosphere the fans created and I’m sure that played a part in Paul’s decision. I’m sure we will all make Paul very welcome when pre-season training gets underway and we start playing games. I would like to thank Glenavon, who have been great to work with and have done a wonderful job coaching Paul to such a high standard.”

New signing McGovern added: “I am delighted to be joining Falkirk. I had good options in England and Scotland, but I believe Falkirk is the right choice for me at this stage in my career. The most important thing was progressing as a player. Falkirk, under John McGlynn, has a proven record of developing young talent, you only have to look at the young players they have developed in recent seasons. I’ve played a lot of games for Glenavon, and now it’s about taking the next step. I feel Falkirk can help me reach that next level, and I’m excited to push on under the manager and his team.”

McGovern is Falkirk’s second signing for the new campaign with hometown hero Craig Sibbald having penned a pre-contract deal and defender Jack McMillan also joining the Bairns this summer once his Exeter City deal expires. The ex-Partick Thistle full-back also comes from a Falkirk supporting family.

Our sister title the Edinburgh Evening News has already reported that star player Calvin Miller has been subject to concrete interest - although no official offer had been tabled - from second-placed finishers Hearts, and that has not changed with the Jambos looking to bolster their squad ahead of playing UEFA Champions League qualifiers this summer.

Midfielder Dylan Tait has agreed to join Dundee United after deciding against extending his Falkirk stay.