Midfielder Alfie McCalmont initially joined the Blues on a half-season loan deal from Leeds during the January 2023 transfer window.

He scored twice in 19 appearances through that spell, and played his part in the successful promotion-winning game at Wembley, prompting discussions on a permanent move. A two-year deal was agreed in the summer of 2023.

With plenty of league experience, he spent the 2020/21 season on loan with Oldham Athletic, where he bagged 10 goals in 39 appearances. After impressing at Boundary Park, he was rewarded with an international call-up for Northern Ireland by manager Ian Baraclough for fixtures against Malta and Ukraine. He has appeared at every level for his country from under-17 upwards.