Friel placed on transfer list after reaction to substitution

COLERAINE could make a move for Ballymena United’s Cathair Friel next month after the striker was placed on the transfer list by the Sky Blues following ‘a breach of the club’s disciplinary policy’.

With Friel being a popular figure amongst Ballymena fans, many were surprised and disappointed when news broke late on Tuesday night that Friel was being made available to other clubs in January.

Emotions will run even higher if fierce derby rivals Coleraine snap up the forward, though the Bannsiders won’t be the only club in the hunt.

Friel is a recognised goalscorer in the Irish Premiership and other top flight sides will keep an eye on the situation.

It is understood the disciplinary breach came after Friel was frustrated at being taken off in his side’s win over Carrick last week.

Ballymena boss David Jeffrey said: “The situation with Cathair is such that, after a breach of the club’s disciplinary policy, he will be made available to speak to other clubs in January.”

Uni t e d go a l ke e p e r Ro s s Glendinning is also on the transfer list after requesting a move.

Je f f rey s t a t ed: “Ross a pproached us last week as he was disappointed to be left out of the first team and felt that he needed to be playing regular football at this stage of his career.

“The professional that Ross is, he will still fight for his position in the team until such point that he may leave.”

Meanwhile, the Irish FA have announced that football training and matches at all levels can resume following the two-week circuit breaker in Northern Ireland in which only ‘elite’ sport could be played.

The IFA confirmed that “protocols in our ‘ A Return to the Everyday Game’ document will be reinstated from this Friday, December 11, and football training and games may recommence at all levels.”

The statement added: “Football training and matches are exempt from restrictions on outdoor gatherings of more than 15 people on the basis that risk assessment protocols outlined in our ‘A Return to the Everyday Game’ document are adhered to at all times; spectator numbers must not exceed 500 at all levels from elite downward and all required social distancing measures must be in place; indoor football remains prohibited at this time.”