Daithí McCallion to Ballymena

Derry City FC have announced that Daithí McCallion has today signed a permanent contract at Ballymena United for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year old defender had already spent the last few months of the Irish League season on loan at the Ballymena Showgrounds and has clearly impressed at the County Antrim club.

City manager Ruaidhri Higgins paid tribute to the player who does have a ‘buy back’ clause in his new contract.

“Daithí is a very bright young man and at 19 years old he has his whole career ahead of him.

“He’s a really good person as well, and he has a great attitude to the game.

“He is keen to learn and I fully understand that he wants to continue to play regular first team football.

“I want to thank Daithí for his time at Derry City and wish him every success going forward.”

City Technical Director, Mark McChrystal said that the club would look forward to seeing the teenager develop at the NIFL Premiership club.

“We do have the ‘buy-back’ clause in Daithì’s contract and I have no doubt he will continue to develop the more he plays at the top level.

“I look forward to following his progress and wish him every success on the move.”