Doherty joins Falkirk after signing new Blackburn deal

Aodhan Doherty has joined Falkirk on a season-long loan as the Northern Ireland Under-21 winger signed a new four-year contract with Blackburn Rovers.

The 20-year-old had played 14 times for Linfield in Northern Ireland’s top flight before joining the Championship club last summer and made his first-team debut for Rovers against Hull city in the FA Cup in January, before featuring in three league games later the same month.

But he is now looking for more regular first-team football.

Falkirk manager John McGlynn says Doherty is not just a straight replacement on the left for Calvin Miller, who was sold to Hearts this summer, as he can play as a number 10 as well as out wide.

“He’s a player we’ve been on the lookout for and have been scouting for some time,” he told his club website.

“We’ve been trying to get him up here as soon as possible, so we’re delighted to get him here now ahead of the league season starting next week.”

Doherty will start on the bench against Stranraer in Falkirk’s final Premier Sports Cup group-stage game on Saturday.

“It’s another part of the rebuild of the squad and we’re hoping to bring some more news on another one next week,” McGlynn said.

“Buzzing” with his new Rovers contract and loan move, Doherty told Blackburn’s website: “I’m just very grateful for the trust and belief that the club has shown in me and I’m ready to keep pushing on.

“Having that experience of being with the first team last season helped me a lot in terms of what I need to do and how I need to play to stay at that level.

“The main thing for me now is getting first-team exposure and playing plenty of games in the Premiership will really benefit me.”