JJ McKiernan

John Joshua McKiernan (born 18 January 2002) is a professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for club Lincoln City and the Northern Ireland U21 national team.

Club career
Born in Southampton, McKiernan joined Watford at U18 level in December 2018 having previously played for non-league Andover Town in the FA Youth Cup. He signed his professional contract in July 2021 and has been given squad number 43.

McKiernan moved to Bohemians on loan in January 2022 and made one appearance before returning to Watford to attend pre-season training camp in Austria, including an appearance against Panathinaikos. McKiernan joined National League team Eastleigh in August 2022 on loan. He was released from Watford at the end of the 2022–23 season.

On 1 July 2023, McKiernan signed for League Two club Morecambe on a one-year deal. On 7 October McKiernan made history at Morecambe with the club's first ever away hat-trick against Colchester United in a 3–1 win, two of the goals scored after going down to a ten man team.

On 1 July 2024, McKiernan joined Lincoln City on a four-year deal.

International career
McKiernan is eligible to represent England and Northern Ireland at international level. He chose to represent Northern Ireland at international level, qualifying through his paternal grandparents. He was selected at 18 to make his debut with Andy Crosby's U21 squad against Finland, obtaining a yellow card in the 21st minute. During the 2023–24 season, McKiernan was called up again for the Northern Ireland U21 2025 Euro Qualifiers.