Former Cliftonville youngster Coran Madden has taken the next major step in his football career after signing professional terms with Premier League club Brentford.
The 17-year-old, who is also a Northern Ireland Under-19 international, joined Brentford’s academy in August last year. His progress at the west London club has now been rewarded with his first professional contract.
From Cliftonville history to Brentford
Madden made Cliftonville history when he became the youngest player in the club’s history. He marked his senior debut with an assist during a 4-0 victory against Loughgall, a result that will be familiar to football followers in the Armagh area.
His emergence at Solitude also brought opportunities in Cliftonville’s first team. Reds boss Jim Magilton gave the teenager several senior appearances after recognising his potential.
Since moving to Brentford, Madden has made what the Belfast Telegraph described as solid progress within the club’s academy. The new deal represents a significant stage in his development as he continues to work towards establishing himself in professional football.
Former Northern Ireland international joins Finn Harps
The report also highlighted movement elsewhere in Irish football, with Finn Harps recruiting former Northern Ireland international Shane Ferguson.
Ferguson, 35, joins Finn Park for the rest of the campaign. He was most recently with Morpeth Town and played for his hometown club Derry City last season.
For Madden, however, the focus is on building on a rapid rise that began with Cliftonville, included a record-setting senior debut against Loughgall and has now led to a professional agreement with a Premier League club.
