Midfield pair make Sky Blues exits
IN another busy day of transfer activity affecting Northern Ireland players, Ballymena United announced that midfielders Ryan Mayse and Shane McGinty had left The Showgrounds.
Mayse is joining former club Ballinamallard United on loan until the end of the season as the Fermanagh side seek promotion from the Championship.
McGinty has been released, with the club website stating that he wishes to “consider his footballing options”, while Glentoran revealed that Northern Ireland Under-21 ace Chris Gallagher had signed a contract extension with the club until 2022.
In Scotland, it’s being reported that Northern Ireland teenager Danny Finlayson is set to leave Rangers and head to the United States to join Orange County FC on loan.
The 18-year-old defender — who captained the Gers Under-18s to Youth Cup glory last season — is one of the promising talents in the Rangers Academy and will be joined at his new club by team-mate Matthew Shiels.
Rangers’ strategic partnership with the California based outfit will see the youngsters sample first team action in the National Premier Soccer League.
Northern Ireland midfielder Michael O’Connor has, meanwhile, joined Salford City from League One side Lincoln City for an undisclosed fee on a deal until the end of the season.
“I’ve come here with the belief that I can help the team push on trying to get to the play-offs this year,” said the 32-year-old.
Northern Ireland international Ciara Watling has returned to Charlton Athletic in the Championship after leaving Crystal Palace. The 27-year-old midfielder makes the switch across London after spending four seasons with the Eagles.