Luke Graham (footballer, born 2004)
{{Short description|Scottish footballer (born 2004)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Luke Graham
| image = Luke Graham.png
| caption = Graham in 2024
| full_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2004|2|11|df=y}}
| birth_place = Scone, Scotland
| height =
| position = Centre-back
| currentclub = Falkirk
(on loan from Dundee)
| clubnumber = 22
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = St Johnstone
| youthyears2 =
| youthclubs2 = Dundee
| years1 = 2021–
| clubs1 = Dundee
| caps1 = 3
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2021–2022
| clubs2 = → Lochee United (loan)
| caps2 = 17
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2022–2023
| clubs3 = → Albion Rovers (loan)
| caps3 = 27
| goals3 = 2
| years4 = 2023–2024
| clubs4 = → Montrose (loan)
| caps4 = 30
| goals4 = 2
| years5 = 2024
| clubs5 = → Falkirk (loan)
| caps5 = 14
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2025–
| clubs6 = → Falkirk (loan)
| caps6 = 8
| goals6 = 0
| club-update = 22:00, 11 April 2025 (UTC)
| nationalyears1 = 2025–
| nationalteam1 = Scotland U21
| nationalcaps1 = 1
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalteam-update = 01:23, 23 March 2025 (UTC)
}}
Luke Graham (born 11 February 2004) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a defender for {{Scottish football updater|Falkirk}} club Falkirk, on loan from {{Scottish football updater|Dundee}} side Dundee.{{soccerbase|144059|accessdate=10 June 2022}} He has also had previous loan spells with Lochee United, Albion Rovers and Montrose.
Club career
Born in Scone, Graham was scouted as a kid by local club St Johnstone and spent several years there before leaving after having issues with coaches, and later joining Dundee's youth setup.{{Cite web |last=Cran |first=George |date=20 November 2023 |title=Dundee loan star Luke Graham relishing Montrose move as he reveals reason behind St Johnstone exit as a kid |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-fc/4817815/dundee-loan-star-luke-graham-relishing-montrose-st-johnstone-exit/ |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=The Courier |language=en-GB}}
=Lochee United (loan)=
In 2021, Graham joined Midlands League side Lochee United on a season-long loan. He would have a stand-out season for the Chee, winning the East Region League Cup with them and finishing 3rd in the league.{{Cite web |date=30 May 2022 |title=Lochee United take the Thorntons Cup |url=https://www.locheeunited.co.uk/thorntons-cup-22/ |access-date=4 June 2022 |website=Lochee United Junior Football Club |language=en-US}}
In April 2022, Graham would make headlines after it was reported he was set for a trial with Sheffield United.{{Cite web |last=Cran |first=George |title=EXCLUSIVE: Highly-rated Dundee youngster set for trial at Sheffield United |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-fc/3165281/exclusive-highly-rated-dundee-youngster-trial-sheffield-united/ |access-date=10 June 2022 |website=The Courier |language=en-GB}} It was reported the following day that he was also being scouted by several bigger clubs such as Celtic, Rangers and Arsenal.{{Cite web |last=Cran |first=George |title=EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal, Rangers and Celtic keeping tabs on Dundee kid Luke Graham |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-fc/3168347/exclusive-arsenal-rangers-celtic-dundee-luke-graham/ |access-date=10 June 2022 |website=The Courier |language=en-GB}} Despite being offered a second trial by Sheffield United, Graham signed an extension with Dundee in May which would keep him there for another season.{{Cite web |date=25 May 2022 |title=Development squad sign up |url=https://dundeefc.co.uk/news/development-squad-sign-up/ |access-date=4 June 2022 |website=Dundee Football Club - Official Website |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Sheffield United miss out on defender transfer as Arsenal and Celtic-linked man signs new contract |url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-miss-out-on-defender-transfer-as-arsenal-and-celtic-linked-man-signs-new-contract-3718695 |access-date=10 June 2022 |website=www.thestar.co.uk |language=en}}
=Albion Rovers (loan)=
On 30 September 2022, Graham joined Scottish League Two side Albion Rovers on loan.{{Cite web |last=Kearney |first=Ben |date=30 September 2022 |title=Luke Graham joins on loan |url=https://albionroversfc.com/luke-graham-joins-on-loan/ |access-date=30 September 2022 |website=Albion Rovers}} He would make his debut the following day.{{Cite news |title=Stranraer v Albion Rovers |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63018156 |access-date=8 October 2022}} Graham would score his first goal for the club in his 2nd appearance, in a league win over Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic.{{Cite news |title=Albion Rovers v Bonnyrigg Rose |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63099608 |access-date=8 October 2022}}
=Montrose (loan)=
On 1 September 2023, Graham joined Scottish League One club Montrose on loan until January 2024.{{Cite web |date=1 September 2023 |title=Graham heads out on loan |url=https://dundeefc.co.uk/news/graham-heads-out-on-loan/ |access-date=1 September 2023 |website=Dundee Football Club - Official Website |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=DEE DEFENDER JOINS MIGHTY MO ON LOAN DEAL {{!}} Montrose Football Club |url=https://montrosefc.co.uk/2023/09/01/dee-defender-joins-mighty-mo-on-loan-deal/ |access-date=1 September 2023 |website=montrosefc.co.uk}} Graham made his debut the following day as a substitute in a league win away to Queen of the South.{{Cite news |title=Queen of the South v Montrose |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66625476 |access-date=3 September 2023}} Graham scored his first goal for the Gable Endies on 4 November 2023, in a big league win away to Edinburgh City.{{Cite news |title=Edinburgh City v Montrose |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67247604 |access-date=6 November 2023}} After a successful first half of the season, Graham's loan to Montrose was extended until the end of the season.{{Cite web |title=LINKS PARK LOAN EXTENDED FOR YOUNG DEE DEFENDER {{!}} Montrose Football Club |url=https://montrosefc.co.uk/2024/01/02/links-park-loan-extended-for-young-dee-defender/ |access-date=3 January 2024 |website=montrosefc.co.uk}} Graham had a strong season at Links Park, and was awarded both the Loanee and Young Player of the Year awards for Montrose at the end of the season.{{Cite web |title=LUKE WHO IS LEAVING LP! {{!}} Montrose Football Club |url=https://montrosefc.co.uk/2024/05/13/luke-who-is-leaving-lp/ |access-date=13 May 2024 |website=montrosefc.co.uk}}
=Dundee (first team)=
After successive successful loan spells, Dundee announced on 28 May 2024 that Graham had been promoted to the first team squad, and had signed a contract extension to stay with the club until 2027.{{Cite web |date=28 May 2024 |title=Luke Graham Promoted to 1st Team Squad |url=https://dundeefc.co.uk/news/luke-graham-joins-1st-team-squad/ |access-date=28 May 2024 |website=Dundee Football Club - Official Website |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=30 May 2024 |title=Luke Graham Extends Dundee Contract |url=https://superiorsportsmanagement.com/luke-graham-extends-dundee-contract/ |access-date=30 May 2024 |website=Superior Sports Management |language=en}} Graham made his competitive debut for the Dark Blues on 23 July as substitute in a Scottish League Cup group stage win over Annan Athletic.{{Cite web |title=Dundee vs Annan Athletic: League Cup |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/ck5g3x3p7r9t |access-date=24 July 2024 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} He made his first start for the Dee four days later in a 6–0 demolishing of Inverness Caledonian Thistle.{{Cite web |title=Premier Sports Cup Results {{!}} SPFL |url=https://spfl.co.uk/league/league-cup/results/2441546 |access-date=27 July 2024 |website=spfl.co.uk}} Graham made his league debut for Dundee in a notable fixture, starting at Tannadice Park in a Dundee derby.{{Cite web |title=Dundee United vs Dundee: Scottish Premiership |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/crgkylye462t |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}
=Falkirk (loan)=
On 20 September 2024, Graham joined Scottish Championship club Falkirk on loan until the end of the season.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-20 |title=Luke Graham joins Falkirk on loan |url=https://dundeefc.co.uk/news/luke-graham-joins-falkirk-on-loan/ |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=Dundee Football Club - Official Website |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-09-20 |title=LUKE GRAHAM SIGNS LOAN DEAL - Falkirk Football Club |url=https://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/2024/09/20/luke-graham-signs-loan-deal/ |access-date=2024-09-20 |language=en-US}} Graham made his debut for the Bairns on 28 September in a league game away to Raith Rovers.{{Cite web |title=Raith Rovers vs Falkirk: Scottish Championship |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c3vk97pwyk2t |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} On 28 December as a result of injuries at his parent club and a successful loan spell with Falkirk which saw them top of the table for Christmas, Dundee announced that they would recall Graham from Falkirk at the beginning of January.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-28 |title=Dundee recall Luke Graham from Falkirk |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/c785ry31pgdo |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=2024-12-28 |title=Graham recalled |url=https://dundeefc.co.uk/news/graham-recalled-24/ |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=Dundee Football Club - Official Website |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Cran |first=George |date=2024-12-28 |title=Dundee recall Luke Graham after impressive Falkirk loan spell |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-fc/5153061/dundee-recall-luke-graham-falkirk/ |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=The Courier |language=en-GB}} Just like his league debut with Dundee, Graham made his second league start after returning from loan in a Dundee derby.{{Cite web |title=Dundee vs Dundee United: Scottish Premiership report, stats & reaction |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/ce3lpz2nqzdt |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}
=Return to Falkirk (loan)=
On 4 February 2025, Graham returned to Falkirk on loan until the end of the season.{{Cite web |date=4 February 2025 |title=Luke Graham returns on loan |url=https://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/2025/02/04/luke-graham-returns-on-loan/ |access-date=4 February 2025 |website=falkirkfc.co.uk|language=en}}
International career
Graham was called up to the Scotland national under-21 football team for the first time on 11 March 2025.{{Cite web |title=Scotland Men's Under-21 Squad named for Republic of Ireland and Iceland friendlies |url=https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/scotland-mens-under-21-squad-named-for-republic-of-ireland-and-iceland-friendlies/?rid=4413 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.scottishfa.co.uk}}{{Cite web |last=Cran |first=George |date=2025-03-12 |title=Dundee and United stars get first Scotland U/21 call-ups with Dunfermline, Raith Rovers and East Fife all represented |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-united/5199928/dundee-united-first-scotland-u-21-call-ups/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=The Courier |language=en-GB}} On 21 March, Graham made his debut for the Scotland national under-21 football team in an international friendly against Republic of Ireland U21, starting in a 0–2 victory at the Pinatar Arena in Spain.{{Cite web |title=New-look Scotland Under-21s defeat Republic of Ireland in Pinatar friendly |url=https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/new-look-scotland-under-21s-defeat-republic-of-ireland-in-pinatar-friendly/?rid=4413 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.scottishfa.co.uk}}
Career statistics
{{Updated|11 April 2025}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition ! rowspan="2" |Club ! rowspan="2" |Season ! colspan="3" |League ! colspan="2" |Scottish Cup ! colspan="2" |League Cup ! colspan="2" |Other ! colspan="2" |Total | |||||||||
| Division
!Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="5" |Dundee
|2021–22{{Cite web |title=Games Played by Luke Graham in 2021/2022 |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=144059&season_id=154 |access-date=10 June 2022 |website=Soccerbase}} |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022–23{{Soccerbase season|id=144059|season=2022|accessdate=10 June 2022}}
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023–24{{Soccerbase season|id=144059|season=2023|accessdate=18 July 2023}}
|rowspan="2"|Scottish Premiership |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024–25{{Soccerbase season|id=144059|season=2024|accessdate=17 July 2024}}
|3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| colspan="2" |Total
!3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| rowspan="4" |Dundee B{{efn|name=SCC|Appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup, in which teams from the SPFL Development League compete against senior clubs}}
| colspan="3" |— | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2023–24
| colspan="3" |— | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |||
| 2024–25
| colspan="3" |— | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |||
| colspan="4" |Total
! colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | ||||
| Lochee United (loan)
|2021–22{{Cite web |title=Results |url=https://www.scottishjuniorfa.com/east-region/results/ |access-date=19 October 2021 |website=Scottish Junior FA |language=en}} |17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4{{Efn|Includes appearances in East of Scotland League Cup|name=22oth}} | 2 | 21 | 2 |
| Albion Rovers (loan)
|27 | 2 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2" |— | 2{{Efn|Appearances in the Scottish League Two play-offs|name=23po}} | 1 | 31 | 3 | |
| Montrose (loan)
|30 | 2 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2" |— | 2{{Efn|Appearance(s) in the Scottish Championship play-offs|name=24scpo}} | 0 | 34 | 2 | |
| Falkirk (loan)
|Scottish Championship |22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2" |— | 0 | 0 | 22 | 0 | |
| colspan="3" |Career total
!99 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 116 | 7 |
{{notelist}}
Honours
Lochee United
- East Region Junior League Cup: 2021–22{{Cite web |title=Match Result |url=https://www.scottishjuniorfa.com/result/ |access-date=20 May 2023 |website=Scottish Junior FA |language=en}}
Individual
- Montrose Young Player of the Year: 2023–24
References
{{Reflist}}{{Falkirk F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Graham, Luke}}
Category:Scottish men's footballers
Category:Men's association football central defenders
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players
Category:Albion Rovers F.C. players
Category:Montrose F.C. players
Category:Midlands Football League players
Category:Lochee United F.C. players