Derby County Academy midfielder Niall McAndrew has signed his first professional contract.


McAndrew, who began the second year of his scholarship with the club earlier this month, has been with the Rams since the Under-9s level.

Since then, he has progressed through the Rams’ ranks and established himself as a key player in Danny Maye’s Under-18s side.

The attacking midfielder impressed in the 2023/24 season and made 25 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 times and providing six assists.

He also stepped up to get seven games under his belt for Jake Buxton’s Under-21s.

Academy Manager Matt Hale said: “Niall is an extremely talented young footballer and is a player we have high hopes for.

“He has worked hard to earn his professional contract and has begun the pre-season just like he finished last year with some exciting early performances.

“Niall has captured the eye of our senior coaching team as well as his international peers in the Republic of Ireland. As a young player who started with the club as young as eight years old, the staff are all very proud to see Niall achieve his professional contract and look forward to seeing him grow and develop even more this season.”


McAndrew is eligible to play for both England and the Republic of Ireland’s international teams and he was a regular in Ireland’s Under-17s squad during the last campaign.