Dungannon Swifts snap up Darren Boyce and Andrew Burns

Darren Boyce

Dungannon Swifts have signed forward Darren Boyce and defender Andrew Burns ahead of the start of the new Irish Premiership season.

Boyce joins on a one-year loan deal from Coleraine while Burns has agreed terms after being released by Portadown at the end of last season.

Their arrival brings the number of new recruits at Stangmore Park to six.

Gareth Buchanan, Ricky Copeland, David McCullough and Stephen Doyle have already been added to their panel.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jonny Curran has left due to work commitments.

"Darren is a proven goal-scorer in the Irish League and I'm absolutely delighted to get him on loan. He adds healthy competition for the other strikers already here," delighted Dungannon manager Darren Murphy told the club website.

Andrew Burns was released by Portadown at the end of last season

"(Burns) came along on trial over the course of pre-season and he did very well. Andrew wants an opportunity to prove himself and gain confidence again and I am more than willing to offer him that opportunity."

Boyce, who made 25 appearances and scored five goals in his third spell at the Showgrounds last season, says he hasn't given up on forcing his way into Coleraine boss Oran Kearney's plans next season.

"A loan deal is what I honestly wanted as at the end of my loan hopefully Oran will get me back involved at Coleraine and I'll have helped improve things for the Swifts and my own game too.

"I am currently a wee bit behind in pre-season compared to the rest of the boys but in a few weeks I'd expect to have caught up with them and fighting the bit out for my place in the team."

Dungannon kick-off their league season against newcomers Warrenpoint Town at Stangmore Park tomorrow in a strange position - playing as the away team at their own ground.

Warrenpoint are ground-sharing with Dungannon and this game is their home fixture.