DURHAM WOMEN have signed highly-rated Irish goalkeeper Naoisha McAloon to aid with their promotion push in the FA Women's Championship in the second half of the season.

The 22-year-old shot-stopper joins the Wildcats after coming through the ranks at Irish side Peamount United, helping the Greens to a period of sustained domestic success.

McAloon was a part of the Peamount side who won the FAI Women’s National League in both 2019 and 2020, and as a result was also able to feature in the UEFA Women’s Champions League for her former side.

On the international stage, she has been capped by the Republic of Ireland at youth level and recently spent time training with her nation’s senior side ahead of their fixtures with Slovakia and Georgia.

“I’m delighted - it’s a great club to be a part of and I’m really looking forward to getting going and being part of the team," said McAloon. "The standards are so high and the expectations from everyone are really high as well.

“It’s a demanding environment which is really good, and I’ve really enjoyed myself so far. Durham are always up there, so I’d love to help as much as I can and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

Durham head coach Lee Sanders added: “I am delighted to welcome Naoisha to Durham and believe we have signed an excellent goalkeeper who will only improve working under Stephen (Brass) our goalkeeping coach and alongside the other keepers at the club. She’s had a great education and successful league and cup seasons with Peamount United - and of course the honour of being around the Irish squad."