Falkirk have completed the signing of Northern Ireland Under-21 winger Aodhan Doherty on a season-long loan from Blackburn Rovers. The 20-year-old attacker arrives at Falkirk Community Stadium after agreeing a new four-year contract with the Championship side.
Who is Aodhan Doherty?
Doherty, 20, spent last season with Linfield in Northern Ireland’s top flight, making 14 appearances before joining Blackburn in summer 2025. He made his first-team debut for Rovers in the FA Cup against Hull City in January, followed by three league outings the same month. His move to Falkirk comes as he seeks regular first-team football.
Why Falkirk needed this signing
Falkirk manager John McGlynn sees Doherty as more than a direct replacement for Calvin Miller, who left for Hearts this summer. McGlynn told the club website: “He’s a player we’ve been scouting for some time. 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 feature from the bench when Falkirk face Stranraer in their final Premier Sports Cup group-stage game on Saturday. McGlynn added: “It’s another part of the rebuild of the squad and we’re hoping to bring some more news on another one next week.”
What the new signing says
Speaking to Blackburn’s website, Doherty said: “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.”
He added: “The main thing for me now is getting first-team exposure and playing plenty of games in the Premiership will really benefit me.”
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 6th in Premiership, 46 pts, 13W-7D-13L from 33 games, recent form LLLWL.
