Crossmaglen footballer Alex Clarke signs a professional contract with Scottish side Aberdeen

Clarke has impressed in the NIFL Women’s Premiership for Linfield since signing for the Blues in December 2023, and she says that she ‘couldn’t say no’ to the opportunity to sign for The Dons.

“I couldn’t turn this opportunity down,” she told the cub’s social media channel.

“They don’t come around too often, so I couldn’t say no. It’s sad leaving the girls in Linfield, but they’ve a solid group there so they’ll push really hard until the end of the season.

Clarke – who formerly represented Armagh Ladies in Gaelic Football – worked hard to come back from two serious injuries earlier in her career.

“You always have ups and downs in football; everyone does,” she said.

“I had an injury a couple of years back, so it’s nice to come back from that, push on, I didn’t give up on my dream and I’m here today.”

The 24-year-old scored nine goals in 22 appearances this season for Linfield, and is hopeful that her pace can hurt sides such as Celtic, Rangers and Glasgow City. She’s also hopeful of breaking into the Northern Ireland squad and making the step up to international football.

“I’m fast enough, so I think if we can utilise that against the big teams, we can punish them. I’m hoping that’s the plan.

“I want to get in here first and get minutes, but that’s obviously the next goal – to get an international call-up.”