Crues beat Blues in race to sign Bray winger McCabe

CRUSADERS look set to sign former Bray Wanderers captain Gary McCabe.

Several Irish League clubs, including Linfield, have shown an interest in the player but the Crues are likely to win the race for his signature.

The 30-year-old winger negotiated his release from the relegation-threatened side, who have had sanctions imposed following financial difficulties this season.

The Dublin man is unable to join another League of Ireland club with the mid-season transfer window shut but Crusaders have made their move.

Linfield have been l inked with the former Shamrock Rovers ace but boss David Healy will be content with his wide options including Joel Cooper, Daniel Kearns, Kirk Millar, Jordan Stewart and Lorcan Forde.

Bray’s players went on strike in mid-July after receiving no wages since May 25.

The FAI then banned the club from registering any new players for the remainder of the season and removed Bray from the 2018-19 Irn-Bru Scottish Challenge Cup.

The players’ strike was ended after a week as they received the wages they were owed.

McCabe had scored four Airtricity League goals this season, having netted 15 in 2017 after returning to his former club from Shamrock Rovers.

He was sent off in his final appearance for the club, a league defeat away to St Patrick’s Athletic.

Crues boss Stephen Baxter saw a substantial bid knocked back for Coleraine striker Jamie McGonigle but he was able to bring striker Rory Patterson to the club from Derry City.

Patterson is hoping to score for the third consecutive game against Linfield at Seaview on Saturday after netting in the 4-2 win over Ards and 2-2 draw against Ballymena United.

Meanwhile, Crusaders midfielder Matthew Snoddy is lick- ing his lips at the prospect of taking on Linfield in Saturday’s Premiership showdown.

The Crues were held by the Sky Blues at the Shore Road venue at the weekend and Snoddy isn’t prepared to play down the importance of this Belfast derby.

“It’s going to be huge,” Snoddy admitted.

“These games seem to be pivotal come the end of the season and this is going to be another one, another six-pointer.”

Crues-bound: Gary McCabe