Ben McCormack signs two-year professional deal with St Patrick's Athletic

Premier Division St Patrick’s Athletic have confirmed that highly-rated youngster Ben McCormack has signed a two-year professional contract with the club.

The 16-year-old Dubliner is eligible for the Saints under-19s for a further three years – after joining the club in 2017 from Dublin schoolboy giants Belvedere.

McCormack made his first senior bow for the Saints in the 3-1 win in the Leinster Senior Cup away to Sheriff YC, where he was substituted in the 69th minute.

The Republic of Ireland underage international has impressed suitably under the tutelage of Pat’s academy director Ger O’Brien – with first-team Head Coach Stephen O’Donnell handing the young star a first professional deal with the club.

“I’m just happy to get the deal done,” McCormack told his club’s media team.

“It took a while, but I was dying to sign it and I’m glad I did now. I’m just waiting for the season to start and I can’t wait to get back in to start for pre-season.

“The club told me how much they wanted me and what they could see from me in the future. I’m still young, I’m 16 only. I still have lots to learn and develop.

“I said to Stevie that I want to develop and play under him. I know how good he and the coaches are and I can learn off the senior players and it will be great to have at such a young age.”