McBrien return for second stint at Dungannon Swifts

Darragh McBrien returns to Dungannon after spending two seasons with Linfield

Darragh McBrien has returned for a second spell at Dungannon Swifts after being released by Linfield.

McBrien joined Linfield from the Swifts on a two-year deal in August 2023 in a move which involved Ethan Devine switching to Stangmore Park on loan until January 2024.

The forward made 26 appearances in his first term with the Blues, scoring three goals and helping the south Belfast side win the BetMcLean Cup.

McBrien's game time was limited last season however, making just six Premiership appearances and not featuring since November.

The 23-year-old is looking forward to another stint at Stangmore Park as part of manager Rodney McAree's squad.

"I had some trouble with injury towards the back end of last season so I wanted to come in and get a bit of training under my belt," McBrien told Dungannon Swifts' social media channels.

"I got that training and then had some positive talks and I'm delighted to get it over the line.

"I want to come in here, get a lot more games and show everyone the level that I can get back up to."

Elsewhere, Ballymena United have signed versatile defender Joel Thompson from Finn Harps on a multi-year deal.

The 19-year-old started his career at Crusaders, making his debut at 15 before he moved to Nottingham Forest.

His two-year spell at the club was plagued by injuries and he then had spells at Colchester and Aveley FC before joining Finn Harps in January.

"We're really happy to get Joel in. He trained with us in January and did extremely well, but because he'd already played for two UK clubs last season, he couldn't play for a third," explained Ballymena boss Jim Ervin.

"He ended up at Finn Harps for six months, but we kept in contact with him and when we knew he wouldn't be staying there we were keen to get him in the building.

"He can play a number of positions, left-back, left wing-back, even as a number six. He'll have a bit of a break because he's been playing constantly for Finn Harps recently, but he's up to speed and we're looking forward to getting him in."

Cliftonville have made their first summer signing by snapping up striker Conor Falls.

The 21-year-old joins the League Cup winners from Huddersfield Town, where he spent five seasons which included loan moves with Stalybridge Celtic, Liversedge and Curzon Ashton.