Scott McGill signs for Dundalk

Scottish midfielder Scott McGill has become Dundalk FC’s first new signing of the summer transfer window after signing a permanent deal with the Oriel Park club.

McGill completed his move from Raith Rovers after agreeing terms, however is not available to play until July 1st, meaning he will sit out Friday night’s SSE Airtricity League fixture against Waterford at Oriel. He could make his full debut in Dundalk colours on Thursday week, July 4th, against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.

Edinburgh-native McGill signed his first professional contract in 2018 with Hearts, where he worked under Dundalk manager Jon Daly. McGill also had loan spells with Airdrieonians, Kelty Hearts and Raith Rovers, moving to the latter permanently in 2023.

He made 18 appearances in the season just gone as Raith narrowly missed out on promotion to the Scottish Premiership, losing the play-off final to Ross County.

“I can’t wait to get started,” said McGill. “Jon Daly was a coach at Hearts when I was there and when I spoke to him about coming here, he told me exactly what he wants from me and his plans for the second half of the season, so it was a no-brainer.

“I like playing as a number 10 or a number eight and going box-to-box and getting on the ball, so hopefully I can chip in with a couple of goals and assists.”

McGill, who will wear the number 27 shirt, joins an ever-growing Scottish contingent at Oriel, which already includes former teammate Jamie Gullan, as well as goalkeepers Ross Munro and Peter Cherrie, plus left-back Jamie Walker and striker Cameron Elliott.

“Hammer (Gullan) was at Raith Rovers with me for a couple of years and I’m sharing a house with him. It’s always easier when you’re coming into a new team and you know a couple of boys.

“I obviously have to wait until July 1st to play my first game, so that will give me another couple of weeks of training which is good, but I can’t wait to get going now in a Dundalk shirt.”

“We are delighted to get Scott in,” added Dundalk manager Daly. “He was a young kid in the academy when I was at Hearts and he was highly regarded there by the club and I’ve kept tabs on him since.

“He’s an extremely talented player who can play in a number of different positions. We very much see him as an attacking midfield option, but it’s nice to know that he could comfortably fill in elsewhere in emergencies.

“He’s had a few weeks off, but he can’t play until the window opens on July 1st, so that will give him time to get up to speed and settle into the group.”