Shane Daniel McLoughlin (born 1 March 1997) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender or midfielder for club Cambridge United. Born in the United States, he represents the Republic of Ireland at youth level.
Early life McLoughlin was born in New York City, where his family lived in the Bronx. He moved to County Kerry, Ireland, when he was five years old.
Club career Ipswich Town McLoughlin joined Ipswich Town from Kerry-based club St. Brendan's Park in July 2013, signing a two-year scholarship with the side. In April 2015, the scholarship was extended for the 2015–16 season.
McLoughlin signed a one-year professional contract in July 2016 with the option of a further 12-month stay at Portman Road.
He made his Ipswich Town debut in a 2–1 EFL Cup Second Round defeat away at Crystal Palace on 22 August 2017. He started the match and was substituted for Monty Patterson in the 81st minute.
Loans to Bromley In March 2017, McLoughlin joined National League club Bromley on loan for the rest of the season. He made seven league appearances for Bromley during this spell. McLoughlin had another brief spell on loan with Bromley the following season as he made two league appearances.
AFC Wimbledon On 31 January 2019, McLoughlin joined AFC Wimbledon in a free transfer on an 18-month deal. He made his debut for the club 12 days later in a 1–0 win away at Walsall. He scored his first senior career goal on 9 March 2019 in a 2–0 home victory over Doncaster Rovers.
In June 2020, Wimbledon exercised the option on the midfielder's contract to keep him at the club for at least a further year. Manager Glyn Hodges praised McLoughlin upon his signing: "Shane can play in a number of positions, and he's getting better and better. He's still young and hungry to keep on improving, so we are delighted we've got him."
McLoughlin departed the club in May 2021.
Morecambe On 13 July 2021 Morecambe confirmed that McLoughlin had joined for the 2021–22 season on a one-year contract.
Salford City In January 2023, McLoughlin signed for EFL League Two team Salford City on a reported 18-month contract. However, in May 2023 Salford confirmed that McLoughlin would be released at the end of the 2022–23 season.
Newport County On 10 July 2023 McLoughlin joined Newport County on a two-year contract. He made his debut for Newport on 5 August 2023 in the starting line-up against Accrington Stanley. McLoughlin scored his first goal for Newport on 16 September 2023 in the 1–1 EFL League Two draw against Barrow. He was offered a contract extension by Newport at the end of the 2024–25 season but he chose to move on.McLoughlin leaves Newport
Cambridge United On 29 July 2025, McLoughlin joined League Two side Cambridge United on a one-year deal.On 6 May 2026 the club announced he was being released.
International career McLoughlin has won caps for the Republic of Ireland at under-16 and under-18 levels. He remains eligible for Ireland and the United States
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsIpswich Town2016–17Championship000000—002017–18Championship100010—202018–19Championship000000—00Total1000100020Bromley (loan)2016–17National League70———702017–18National League20——0020Total9000000090AFC Wimbledon2018–19League One1011000001112019–20League One2312000102612020–21League One381200040441Total713500050813Morecambe2021–22League One3612020214222022–23League One70002030120Total431204051542Salford City2022–23League Two100000000100Newport County2023–24League Two3436310204362024–25League Two363001020393Total706632040829Cambridge United2025–26League Two2221030002622026–27League One2000100030Total242104000292Career total2281214311014126716
References
External links Profile at the AFC Wimbledon website