Fleetwood Town

Northern Ireland international full-back Conor McLaughlin signed for Fleetwood Town from Preston North End in 2012.

Having represented his country at every level, Conor moved to English shores alongside brother Ryan in 2008 to join North End’s youth academy. 

He turned professional at the Lilywhites in January 2010 – making his Preston debut in a defeat at Hull City in November of that year. 

McLaughlin was rewarded with his fine form with an extended contract a month later, but unfortunately broke his leg in a game against Bristol City in February 2011, which halted his development. 

To aid his development following his injury, McLaughlin was loaned out to Shrewsbury Town in March 2012 and made four appearances for the Shrews. 

Having departed Preston earlier that summer, the 23-year-old signed for Fleetwood Town in July 2012, and has since gone onto become a regular feature for both club and country. 

Conor won many admirers for his performances in Town’s inaugural League One campaign, as he cemented the right-back spot under manager Graham Alexander. 

He made 39 appearances for the Fylde Coast outfit, netting his first senior goal in professional football in Fleetwood’s 2-1 victory away at Barnsley in February. 

Aside from a fruitful club season, McLaughlin became a regular in the Northern Ireland set up, featuring in all of their EURO 2016 qualifying fixtures so far.