Derry duo Daithi McCallion and Caoimhin Porter join Finn Harps on loan

Ruaidhri Higgins has confirmed that both Daithi McCallion and Caoimhin Porter are to join Finn Harps on a season-long loan ahead of the 2023 campaign.

The City boss felt  that it was a great opportunity for the pair to gain valuable senior experience before returning to the Brandywell in 12-months time. 

"In Daithi's case, I usually wouldn't have considered sending a 17-year old out on loan, but such is his maturity both as a player and a person that I fully believe he will make the most of the opportunity.

"He'll still be just 18 when he comes back and I think this season could be huge for him in terms of his own development.

"Caoimhin is 20 and we both agree that he would benefit from playing regularly at this stage of his career.

"He recently signed a 2-year deal with us and this is a great chance for him to showcase his potential.

"A good loan spell would leave him equipped to come back and compete to play here more regularly.

"Hopefully they'll both get plenty of game time throughout the new season and we look forward to following their progress very closely."

Meanwhile new Finn Harps boss Dave Rogers says he is 'excited' at the prospect of working with Caoimhin Porter and Daithi McCallion, after recruiting the Derry City duo on loan.

Porter, a fullback by trade, made three league appearances for the Candystripes last season, notching two assists in a 3-2 victory over Bohemians.

McCallion, a towering centre half who is a Northern Ireland underage international, made his Derry City debut against UCD back in April.

“I am truly excited to begin working daily with Daithí and Caoimhin and playing a part in both of their progression into senior football,” Rogers said.

“I have no doubts when they don our famous blue and white jersey that our fans will be fully behind them week in week out.”

Rogers is good friends with the Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins and believes these signings fit neatly into his ethos.

He said: “I know how highly Ruaidhri thinks of Daithí and Caoimhin and that he sees their long term futures in the first team at Derry City.

“I have followed the progress of both Daithí and Caoimhin over the past couple of years and they fit perfectly into the calibre and profile of players I aim to bring to Finn Harps.

“Young, enthusiastic, passionate, energetic and full of potential and both of the players had a real desire to come and play here in Ballybofey."