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Shay McCartan joins Bradford City from Accrington Stanley

Middlesbrough's English midfielder Adam Clayton (R) trips Accrington Stanley's Northern Irish striker Shay McCartan, resulting in a yelow card for Clayton,
Image: Shay McCartan: Bradford move completed

Bradford have signed Northern Ireland international Shay McCartan for an undisclosed six-figure fee.

The Sky Bet League One club announced on their official website that they had signed McCartan from Accrington on a three-year deal.

McCartan, 23, made his full Northern Ireland debut in the 1-0 victory over New Zealand earlier this month.

The Glenavon product joined Accrington in July 2013 after beginning his career in English football at Burnley.

"I am looking forward to a new challenge and it will be exciting to play in League One," McCartan told accringtonstanley.co.uk.

"I am sorry to leave Accrington, I have had a great four years here.

"I have loved my time here and they gave me a chance when I was released from Burnley when no one else wanted me.

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"I was signed by James Beattie and Paul Stephenson and then have continued my development under the current gaffer (John Coleman).

"Bradford are obviously a big club and it also means I stay up north as I have lived here since I came to Burnley when I was 16."

McCartan suffered a frightening incident at Valley Parade last season when he collapsed on the pitch during Accrington's FA Cup win there.

"It was scary at the time but I am over it," McCartan said.

"It was a really good season for me last season. I got 11 goals, I impressed with Northern Ireland and I made my senior debut.

"I knew clubs were watching me and it is unsettling so I am glad it is done now, at the start of pre-season, and I can move on with my career."