Luke McNicholas has joined Finn Harps on a half-season loan deal.

McNicholas signed a new two-year contract last week. He has been number two goalkeeper at The Showgrounds for the last 18 months.

The 21-year-old expressed a desire to play games this season, having been limited while Ed McGinty has been in the Rovers goal, and manager Liam Buckley and the club have agreed to the request.

McNicholas has been with the club for six years.

Buckley said: “Luke has pushed Ed for the number one jersey since Mitch Beeney left in mid-2019. Ed managed to get in there first and they’ve been competing for the last year and a half. They are two top-class goalkeepers.

“Luke came to us privately in the off-season about his desire to play games. He turned 21 this month and we understand his wishes. We didn’t want to lose Luke because we really rate him.  

“We’ve managed to bring in Richard and that will allow Luke to go out on loan to Finn Harps. It’s a good move for everyone.

“We know Luke will go out and show his ability. The future is not known so when Luke comes back we don’t what the landscape will be. We’re hoping he comes back with more experience and all the better for this spell with Finn Harps.”

McNicholas said: “I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to the opportunity at Finn Harps. I want to play first-team football. Harps are a Premier Division club so it was the offer that appealed most to me.

“I know Ollie as I played under him with Ireland at schools level, he is a very good manager and someone I can trust as well.  

“There will be competition at Finn Harps but I think I can show what I can do and get into the team. That’s my target.

“I’m thankful for the gaffer and the club accommodating the move, it’s gone smoothly. I’m looking forward to getting going now.”