NI youth international Brandon Downey signs professional contract with Crusaders

TATTYREAGH native, Brandon Downey, who made his senior debut at just 15 years of age last season in the Irish Premiership for Crusaders, catching the eye with his performance and maturity beyond his years, has been rewarded with a three-year professional contract with the club.

The talented 16-year-old made an impressive 15 appearances for the club last season, with Crusaders manager, Declan Caddell, delighted to announce that the exciting young winger has now signed his first professional contract with 'The Crues'.

Speaking on the club's website and social media pages, he said: “Brandon has worked really hard and I've been monitoring his progress over the last few years.

"Last season, he earned himself a spot in the first-team squad and acquitted himself exceptionally well.

"He is an ambitious young man, and it’s great that he sees Crusaders as the best club to help him further develop, alongside other young players who are recognising the pathways we’re creating.”

Brandon recently graduated from the Elite JD NI Residential Academy based at Campbell College, Belfast.

He is a current NI U17 youth international and NI U18 schoolboy international.