Rowan Alexander McDonald (born 20 October 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for League of Ireland Premier Division club Waterford.

Club career

Youth career

Born in Oldham, McDonald came through the Academy of Manchester City, where he won the U18 Premier League and U18 Premier League Cup twice each, the FA Youth Cup in 2020, as well as the Premier League 2 three times.[1] He featured 5 times for the club's U21 side in the 2019–20 EFL Trophy,[1] as well as representing the club in the UEFA Youth League.[2] On 8 July 2022, he signed his first professional contract with the club, despite having missed most of the 2 years previous due to injury.[3][4] In January 2023, he went on trial with League of Ireland Premier Division club Derry City during their pre-season training camp in Spain, but ultimately did not sign for the club despite appearing in friendly fixtures with them.[5] In June 2023, he was released by Manchester City following the end of his contract.[6]

Waterford

On 23 August 2023, McDonald signed for League of Ireland First Division club Waterford until the end of their season in November.[7][8] On 10 November 2023, he helped the club to promotion by beating Cork City in the Final of the 2023 League of Ireland First Division Play-offs at Tallaght Stadium.[9] After gaining promotion, he signed a new contract with the club ahead of their 2024 League of Ireland Premier Division campaign.[10][11] On 9 August 2024, McDonald scored his first goal for the club, with his side's first goal of the game, helping them back from a 2 goal deficit to win 3–2 away to Bohemians at Dalymount Park.[12] On 21 November 2024, he signed a new one year contract with the club.[13][14][15][16] On 15 February 2025, he scored in the opening game of the season, scoring the first goal of the game in a 3–2 win away to Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds.[17]

International career

McDonald made his international debut on 20 May 2019, playing the full 90 minutes in England U18's 1–0 win over Russia U18 in a friendly in Slovakia.[18] 3 days later he again played the full game in a 2–0 win over Mexico U18 in what turned out to be his final appearance at international level.[19]

Career statistics

As of match played on 7 March 2025[20]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup[a] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Manchester City U21 2019–20[1] — — 5[b] 0 5 0
Waterford 2023[1] LOI First Division 6 0 — 4[c] 0 10 0
2024[1] LOI Premier Division 32 1 0 0 0[d] 0 32 1
2025[1] 5 1 0 0 1[d] 0 6 1
Total 43 2 0 0 5 0 48 2
Career Total 43 2 0 0 10 0 53 2
  1. ^ Includes FAI Cup
  2. ^ Appearance(s) in the EFL Trophy
  3. ^ Appearances in the 2023 League of Ireland First Division Play-offs
  4. ^ a b Appearance(s) in the Munster Senior Cup

Honours

Waterford
Manchester City Academy

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f https://ie.soccerway.com/players/rowan-mcdonald/496624/
  2. ^ Leigh, Neil. "McDonald urges City U-19s to be more 'streetwise'". MCFC.
  3. ^ Edwards, John. "City youngsters sign first professional contracts". Manchester City FC.
  4. ^ Bajkowski, by Simon (July 8, 2022). "Man City youngster signs new deal after missing two years with injury". Manchester Evening News.
  5. ^ Ferry, Gary (January 25, 2023). "Ruaidhri Higgins considering move for Manchester City prospect Rowan McDonald". www.derrynow.com.
  6. ^ "Premier League clubs publish 2022/23 released lists". www.premierleague.com.
  7. ^ FC, Waterford (August 23, 2023). "Waterford FC Sign Rowan McDonald".
  8. ^ Byrne, Tom (August 24, 2023). "Waterford FC announce the signing of former Manchester City youngster". www.waterfordlive.ie.
  9. ^ "Waterford beat Cork in pulsating promotion/relegation play-off decider". The Irish Times.
  10. ^ FC, Waterford (December 1, 2023). "Rowan McDonald Re-Signs for 2024".
  11. ^ Team, Extratime. "Waterford secure McDonald, Parsons, & O'Keeffe for 2024 Premier Division campaign". extratime.com.
  12. ^ "Misery goes on for sorry Bohemians as Keith Long's Waterford turn 2-0 deficit into victory". Irish Independent. August 9, 2024.
  13. ^ FC, Waterford (November 21, 2024). "Rowan McDonald Remains a Blue!".
  14. ^ Team, Extratime. "Waterford confirm Rowan McDonald to remain with club". extratime.com.
  15. ^ "Rowan McDonald commits his future to Waterford FC". WLRFM.com. November 21, 2024.
  16. ^ "McDonald to remain at Waterford FC for 2025 season - Soccer - Waterford News & Star". waterford-news.ie. March 25, 2025.
  17. ^ Maloney, Liam (February 15, 2025). "Waterford edge chaotic five-goal thriller in Sligo". Irish Examiner.
  18. ^ https://www.thefa.com/news/2019/may/21/england-u18s-russia-slovakia-cup-200519
  19. ^ https://www.thefa.com/news/2019/may/23/england-u18s-mexico-slovakia-cup-230519
  20. ^ "England - R. McDonald - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com.
Allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowan_McDonald
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