Darren Purse has made his first addition as Sligo Rovers manager with the signing of Jack Shorrock on loan from Port Vale until the end of the season, subject to international transfer clearance.
The 19-year-old is a versatile left-sided player who can contribute in both defence and attack.
Shorrock arrives at the Showgrounds having already gained first-team experience in England despite his young age. A product of Port Vale’s academy, he became the club’s youngest-ever first-team player when he made his senior debut aged 15 years and 145 days in an EFL Trophy victory over Shrewsbury Town in September 2022.
He later became Port Vale’s youngest-ever goalscorer when he found the net against Barnsley in December 2023, aged 16 years and 242 days.
Shorrock says the prospect of regular senior football and the chance to contribute during an important period of the season made the move to Sligo Rovers an attractive one.
“I’m really happy to be here,” he tells sligorovers.com.
“It all came around quite quickly, but Sligo seems like a great place to live and to develop, not only as a player but as a person as well.
“I heard a lot of positive things about the club and the supporters, so it was an easy sell for me.
“There is a good group of lads here and good staff, and I want to come in and do good things for the club.”
The former Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers academy player joined Port Vale in 2022 following a successful trial. After becoming the club’s youngest-ever first-team player, Shorrock continued his development within the senior set-up before signing his first professional contract in June 2024.
He enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 campaign, making 22 appearances in all competitions as Port Vale secured promotion from League Two.
Shorrock scored twice during the promotion-winning season and won both the club’s Goal of the Season and Apprentice of the Season awards before being named the EFL League Two Apprentice of the Season.
He signed a new long-term contract at Vale Park in July 2025, keeping him at the club until at least the summer of 2028.
Shorrock also spent a short loan spell with National League North side Chester during the first half of the 2025/26 season, making five appearances in all competitions before being recalled in January.
He now joins a Rovers side looking to improve its position in the League of Ireland Premier Division during the closing months of the campaign.
The new arrival believes the senior experience he has gained at a young age has prepared him for the challenge ahead.
“There’s no time to settle in,” he continues.
“I need to come in and show what I can do straight away, both on and off the pitch. It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to and I want to represent the supporters properly on the pitch.
“It would be unbelievable to help keep the club in the division. Personally, I want to showcase what I can do and help the team get back to where it should be.
“Goals and assists are important in my position, so I want to improve my output and contribute as much as I can.
“I’m still young, but I’ve already gained good experience and hopefully that will help me here.”
Shorrock describes himself as an energetic and direct player who enjoys creating chances and taking on defenders.
“I’m an energetic player and I’ll always give everything,” he says.
“I like to play on the front foot, take players on and put crosses into the box. I want to excite the supporters.
“Off the pitch, I’d like to think I’m a good lad with a good personality and that I’m easy to get on with.
“I can’t wait to meet the group and start building relationships with the lads.”
Purse believes Shorrock’s athleticism, directness and quality in the final third will add another dimension to his squad.
“He’s a very direct player with a good delivery,” Purse says.
“He has good energy and athleticism, and I think he’ll be exciting for our supporters to watch.
“He has all the attributes you would want from a wide player. He excites me as a coach and I think he’ll excite the fans as well.”
Purse represented Port Vale during his own playing career, making 17 league appearances for the club in 2013 and gaining an understanding of the environment at Vale Park.
Having spoken to those at the club and watched Shorrock’s development, the Rovers boss believes the youngster is ready to take the next step in his career.
“I’ve spoken to people at Port Vale and Jack is very highly rated there,” Purse explains.
“I know him and I’ve watched him play. He’s only young, but he already has good experience for his age.
“He’s probably at the stage of his career where he needs to take that next step. He’ll get good senior minutes here and have opportunities to affect games in the final third.
“He can create goals and chances, and hopefully he can help us move away from the position we currently find ourselves in.”
Despite only turning 19 in April, Shorrock has already experienced League One and League Two football and was part of Port Vale’s promotion-winning 2024/25 campaign.
Purse believes that exposure to senior football will help the youngster adapt quickly to the demands of the League of Ireland Premier Division.
“He’s had a good pre-season with Port Vale and has played plenty of minutes, so he is fit,” Purse adds.
“Whether he starts on Friday is the same as it is for every other player in the squad. There is no divine right to play.
“You have to earn your place, and that is something we need to reinforce throughout the squad.”
Shorrock concluded with a message for the Rovers support.
“I can’t wait to meet you all,” he says.
“Get behind me and the lads, and we’ll give everything for you over the remaining games.”
Jack Dempsey