Ballymena United sign up Conor Downey and Tony Kane

Conor Downey was on the books of Newry City last season

Ballymena United have signed defender Tony Kane and midfielder Conor Downey.

Both players have been on trial at the Showgrounds during the summer and have played in pre-season friendlies.

Kane spent five years as a trainee at Blackburn Rovers and also enjoyed loan spells at a number of clubs before spending the second half of last season in the Premiership with Cliftonville.

Downey, who has signed a two-year deal, was released by relegated Newry City at the end of last season.

Downey has also played for Carrick Rangers, Lisburn Distillery, Cliftonville and Linfield.

Kane has agreed a one-year contract with the Sky Blues.

The 23-year-old represented both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at under-21 level and was in the full Northern Ireland squad in 2007 for a European qualifier against Latvia.

He has played on loan at Carlisle, Stockport County, Darlington and Belgian side Cercle Brugge.

It has been a summer of upheaval at the Showgrounds with a series of new signings arriving at the club.

Aaron Kerr, Ross Black, Davy Munster, Chris Rodgers, Aaron Black, Allan Jenkins, Alan Teggart, Jordan Baker and James Costello have all joined the Sky Blues.