McLoughlin called up to U21

Former UCC soccer player Sean McLoughlin received a call-up to the under-21 Irish squad last week, and although the defender was injured in his first international appearance, it represents great progress in the Cork City man’s career.City secured the signing of the highly-rated defender back in July of 2017 with McLoughlin moving to Turner’s Cross on an 18-month contract following a hugely successful spell with UCC where he was part of the team which won both the Munster Senior League and Collingwood Cup. City manager John Caulfield said at the time that he was delighted to secure the services of the defender after he had received offers from a League One and SPL club. McLoughlin impressed throughout his time with UCC and in his final game for UCC, scored a dramatic late winner against Cobh Wanderers to clinch the Munster Senior League title for Noel Healy’s side.In July of this year, McLoughlin signed another 18-month contract, extending his stay with City until the end of the 2019 season. In the same month, McLoughlin’s old teammate at UCC, Shane Daly-Bütz, also signed with Cork City. Daly-Bütz became the fourth UCC Soccer player in the last two years to line out for Cork City and as the contingent of former UCC players at City continues to grow, so does the relationship between the two clubs.With the Irish national side struggling to register good performances, and the talent that is coming out of the League of Ireland sides, these Cork youngsters could force their way into either the under-21 or senior setups in the coming years.