The Bairns are trying to sign Glenavon winger Paul McGovern as they look to build on what has been a fine seaso n
Falkirk Stadium
Falkirk are trying to land one of the best young talents in Northern Ireland.
The Bairns have made a move to sign Glenavon’s Paul McGovern.
The exciting 18-year-old has just been named as Northern Ireland’s young player of the year.
Glenavon are going to sell after their relegation from the Irish Premiership.
McGovern has been a standout for struggling Glenavon.
He scored nine goals and chipped in with four assists in 39 games.
McGovern has a host of admirers from England’s Championship and League One.
John McGlynn and his head of recruitment Alan Fraser has been on the trail of the Northern Ireland under-19 cap for several months.
Falkirk have looked at some off-beat places for top talent from the Lowland League and university football with Keelan Adams and Barney Stewart, respectively.
Record Sport revealed that Falkirk had turned down a seven figure bid from West Bromwich Albion for Stewart, who has been named as the Scottish Football Writers’ Association’s young player of the year. Lincoln City and Oxford United are also interested in the striker.
They now want McGovern and believe they can give him a better first-team pathway than a lot of their rivals who are vying for his signature.
The teenager has just finished his A-Levels and has admitted he feels the time is right to leave Northern Ireland
McGovern, talking earlier this month, said: “If you say to any young player where do you want to go and play, in the UK it’s England or Scotland, somewhere you can go and thrive and make it your full-time job.
“Obviously there’s teams here that are full-time as well but I think I’m at the right age — I’m 18 — and have become sort of a man now where I can go away and challenge myself and learn to a life for myself.”
McGovern previously had English interest when he impressed in the Supercup NI but decided to stay put and finish his education at that point.
Former manager Stephen McDonnell signed McGovern for Glenavon back in 2024 from Newry City. He believes he has the attributes to make a big impact in full-time football.
McDonnell said: “He could choose whichever Irish League club he wanted, but what I would be thinking is about going across the water, that’s the level he’s at.
“He has all the raw credentials and he has now backed it up in a senior environment.
“I do know he has a lot of interest across the water. I would be surprised if he doesn’t go across the water. He has done so well, which I knew he would.
“I went all out to get Paul and put him on a two-year deal at 16, which is now up this summer so he’s in an unbelievable position.
“I know there’s a list of clubs all over it, so for him it’s brilliant.”
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