With the 2026-2027 season now in full flow, a number of our players have continued their development away from Inver Park, out on loan at clubs across the local divisions.
Read below to see how they have been getting on in the early weeks of the campaign.
Ambrose Ajala – Queen’s University:
Last season, Ambrose Ajala enjoyed a productive season at Queen’s University playing 38 games (starting 21) whilst scoring 11 goals and he has once again joined the side for the 2026-2027 campaign.
Upon his return to the Belfast side, the 19-year-old forward has been a regular starter and has made a promising start to the season.
Having started in each of their seven league games, Ajala registered an assist in in their matchday four win over Institute before netting his first goal of the campaign the following week as his side recorded a 3-0 victory away to Ards.
In their following game, he put on a man of the match display as the students hit Strabane for six.
On target in the first half, the 19-year-old got his second of the afternoon late in the game when he rounded the goalkeeper to tap into an empty net and complete the scoring in their biggest win of the season so far.
Daniel Gordon – Ballyclare Comrades:
Young striker Daniel Gordon has made a promising start to life at Dixon Park, getting his first taste of men’s football in the National Conference League Premier.
At the time of writing, Ballyclare Comrades find themselves second in the division, unbeaten after four games with Gordon having started every league match so far.
After an opening day draw with Donegal Celtic, the 18-year-old got his first league goals of the season on matchday two when he netted twice in a 4-1 home win over Banbridge.
Meanwhile Gordon also made his mark in the sides Steel and Sons Cup fixture against Willowbank, getting on the scoresheet after just five minutes before going on to complete a hat-trick as the side sealed a 5-1 home win.
Dylan Graham – Annagh United:
Goalkeeper Dylan Graham joined Annagh United on loan at the beginning of August before making his debut for the club just a day later in their Boyle Sports Championship opener against Newington.
The 21-year-old shot-stopper has gone on to feature in five of his sides seven league games so far this season as they sit third in the division.
However, Graham was shown a red card in the aftermath of their recent league game away to Dundela.
Alex McAlister – Newry City:
Under the stewardship of Stuart King, Alex McAlister has been a regular feature in the Newry City side, making an appearance in all seven of their opening league games this season.
Having impressed from the bench in each of their opening four fixtures, the youngster was given his first start of the campaign in a 3-1 away win against Institute.
A week later, the midfielder made his second start of the season against Armagh City, scoring a last-minute equaliser as the sides drew 2-2 at the Newry Showgrounds.
McAlister found himself on the end of a flick on before firing in from the edge of the penalty area with his strike too powerful for the Armagh goalkeeper as he put in a man of the match display.
Mikey Harkin & Noah McDonnell – H&W Welders:
Mikey Harkin and Noah McDonnell both joined Boyle Sports Championship side H&W Welders in a double loan move towards the end of the summer window.
Just two days after joining the club, Harkin made his first matchday squad as he was named on the bench in their East Belfast derby against Dundela.
In their following game, the winger made his first start for the club as they were beaten by Premiership side Bangor, whilst McDonnell was named on the bench for the first time.
In their following game, the young defender was named in the starting eleven for the first time, putting in a solid performance before being withdrawn in the 72nd as the side went on to win 4-1 against Moyola Park.
Dan Collett – Knockbreda:
Academy goalkeeper Dan Collett joined Knockbreda on loan in a deadline day move which will see him spend the 2026-2027 season at Breda Park.
Having made his first matchday squad in their Steel & Sons Cup game against Linfield Swifts, the young shot-stopper made his debut for the club in the Irish Cup second round as the side lost 2-0 to Greenisland FC.
