Ali McCann
In-game article clicks load inline without leaving the challenge.
Alistair Edward McCann (born 4 December 1999) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL Championship club Preston North End. Born in Scotland, he represents Northern Ireland at international level.
Early and personal life
Born in Edinburgh, McCann and his brothers Lewis (who is also a footballer) and Ross (who is Scotland and GB 7s rugby player) were born and raised in Scotland to a Northern Irish father and an English mother.
Club career
McCann moved from Hutchison Vale Boys Club to St Johnstone in 2012. He made his senior debut on 29 January 2018.
McCann joined Stranraer on loan in February 2019.
In May 2021 he was monitored by Celtic. He moved to Preston North End on 31 August 2021.
International career
McCann has played youth football for Northern Ireland, including at under-21 level.
On 15 November 2020, McCann made his senior international debut, against Austria.
In October 2023 he pulled out of the Northern Ireland squad due to injury.
Career statistics
As of match played 11 March 2026
| Club | Season | League | National cup | League cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| St Johnstone | 2016–17 | Scottish Premiership | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017–18 | Scottish Premiership | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2018–19 | Scottish Premiership | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2019–20 | Scottish Premiership | 29 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 4 | |
| 2020–21 | Scottish Premiership | 34 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 2 | |
| 2021–22 | Scottish Premiership | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 0 | |
| Total | 71 | 6 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 96 | 6 | ||
| Stranraer (loan) | 2018–19 | Scottish League One | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 |
| Preston North End | 2021–22 | EFL Championship | 28 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 1 |
| 2022–23 | EFL Championship | 31 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 2 | |
| 2023–24 | EFL Championship | 31 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 0 | |
| 2024–25 | EFL Championship | 29 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 1 | |
| 2025–26 | Championship | 26 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 28 | 1 | ||
| Total | 145 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 161 | 5 | ||
| Career total | 229 | 10 | 17 | 0 | 17 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 270 | 12 |
Honours
St Johnstone