Teenage striker Liam Coogans has today completed a move to English Championship side Huddersfield Town, subject to international clearances.

​

The 17 year-old forward spent five days on trial at PPG Canalside during January 2014 and has now joined the Club on a permanent basis, where he will initially work with the Under-18 group under Lead Professional Development Coach Tony Carss and new Professional Development Coach Leigh Bromby.

​

Liam made his Airdrie debut as a 16 year-old, playing the final 16 minutes of a 2-1 home defeat to Raith Rovers.

​

He went on to make five starts and two substitute appearances during the 2012/13 season, netting his first senior goal on the final day of the season to secure a 2-1 win at Dunfermline Athletic.

​

A further 26 appearances and three goals followed for Liam last season to take his senior total to 14 starts, 19 substitute appearances and four goals.

​

Liam has attracted interest from a few parties, but the Huddersfield one was a good option for his own advancement in the game.

​

Huddersfield Town Academy Manager, and current Caretaker Manager of the First Team, Mark Lillis explained:

​

"We're delighted that a lot of hard work and perseverance has paid dividends in Liam's arrival at the Club today.

​

"It's testament to his talent that he has already played so much senior football at his age, but he will now take on a new challenge as he makes the step from part-time to full-time football in our Academy.

​

"He was identified through the Club's scouting network and came down on trial highly recommended. The Academy technical staff liked what they saw when Liam was on trial with us; he has very clever movement off the ball and is a good finisher. We'll work hard with Liam to continue to improve other aspects of his game – and he must work hard too, as we say to all the lads.

​

"As everyone knows, Liam – along with every other young player at the Club – has the ability to progress through the system and eventually make an impact on the First Team if they are good enough."

​

Airdrie Chairman Jim Ballantyne was delighted with the move and with the way all the business was conducted between the Clubs.

​

"Liam has worked hard and has had a fairly dramatic entry to first team football. His debut was in a season that was very difficult for the Club and he coped really well.

​

"He trained on a full time basis within Edusport Academy last year, and that will help making the transition to Huddersfield that bit easier."

​

Manager Gary Bollan said "While we are sorry to lose Liam, when these chances come along, you don't say no. 

​

"As a young man, with the facilities and opportunities he will have down South, he will flourish and go far in the game"

​

Liam was the Airdrie Aces player of the year last season and they will miss him. However, we have been promised a visit back when he will be able to say his goodbyes to them properly.