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Gareth Fullerton

John Robertson: Linfield's new signing who made St Johnstone debut at just 16

Linfield have announced the signing of Scottish striker John Robertson.

Robertson becomes the Blues' third signing in as many days following the arrivals of Matthew Fitzpatrick and Jack Scott.

The 21-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with David Healy's side and will make it official when the transfer window officially opens in just over a week's time.

Read more: Fund set up to support hospitalised boxer who fought on Conlan card

But who is John Robertson?

Here's some more info...

Profile

  • Name : John Roberston
  • Age : 21
  • Position : Striker
  • Height : 1.73m
  • Birthplace : Edinburgh, Scotland

Club history

Robertson started his career with Tynecastle Colts and was then snapped up by St Johnstone in the summer of 2017. He was initially in St Johnstone's Under 20 and B sides, and also had loans spells with Cove Rangers and Forfar Athletic.

He made his senior debut for the Saints as a 16-year-old at the end of the 2017/18 season.

Robertson joined Edinburgh City in July 2021 and spent two years there before being released at the end of last season.

Last season...

Robertson scored 16 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions last season, including 13 goals in 34 Scottish League One games. He also scored three goals in four League Cup appearances.

St Johnstone link

Ironically, one of the players who Robertson will be replacing at Windsor Park is Eetu Vertainen who was recently released by St Johnstone after a second loan spell with Linfield.

Tommy Wright faith

It was former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Tommy Wright who gave Robertson his debut at St Johnstone at the age of just 16.

Former Saints boss Callum Davidson was also impressed by Robertson's attitude at the club. He said back in 2020: “He has that eye for goal. For John, it’s about having the willingness to learn and listen.

“He is a player who has probably impressed me the most out of all the young players. It’s up to him how much he wants to move forward.

“John has always been a goalscorer but he needs to work on his positional play. His fitness has improved a lot.

“Once he gets his chance in the first team, he’s going to have to take it."

What David Healy has said

The Blues boss told Linfield's website: "He's a 21-year-old forward who was with FC Edinburgh, having previously been with St Johnstone and on loan at Cove Rangers and Forfar.

"He's an exciting player who, as soon as he came to our attention, we've kept a close eye on over recent months. We've been over to see him play in Scotland and we believe he can strengthen our squad and increase our striking options for the upcoming European and domestic campaigns.

"Having signed Matthew Fitzpatrick, Jack Scott and now John Robertson, it's been a busy few days and I am grateful to our board for their continued backing and again, I want to thank Willie McKeown for all that he has done to bring this signing to the desired positive outcome.

"John is looking forward to joining up with the rest of the squad for pre-season training and for our European and domestic campaigns and I'm really excited about working with him and our other players over the coming months.

"We are continuing to work hard to try and complete other contract business and as soon as it's successfully concluded, we will of course update our supporters who I'm sure will make our new Scottish signing feel welcome and at home in his new surroundings."

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