Ex-Scotland international McGeouch joins Ballymena

Dylan McGeouch has been capped twice by Scotland

Ballymena United manager Jim Ervin has bolstered his midfield options with the signing of former Scotland international Dylan McGeouch on a short-term deal.

The 32-year-old had spells with Celtic and Rangers at youth level before making a return to Celtic Park where he began his senior career.

Twice capped by Scotland, McGeouch moved on to Hibernian where he helped the club win the Scottish Cup before spells with Sunderland, Aberdeen, Forest Green Rovers and Carlisle United.

A free agent since the summer, McGeouch is delighted to restart his career in Ballymena where he hopes to add to his medal collection.

"The opportunity came up to talk to the guys behind the scenes here and I jumped at the chance to be able to come and help this squad and club going forward," he told the Ballymena United website.

"Experience is something hopefully I can bring on and off the pitch. I've been at a lot of good clubs and still think I have a lot to give.

"One of the selling points was that the club have a lot to play for. We're looking to compete and get into that top six, along with the cup competitions and it's exciting times."

The Braidmen's injury list prompted manager Ervin to act now and he is happy to have someone of McGeouch's experience arrive at The Showgrounds.

"It's well documented the injury list we have and it seems to be increasing week by week, so it's great to get another body available to us, but it's more about the experience he brings," Ervin said.

"He's one we've been looking at for a number of weeks and he's come in as a free agent so is able to play straight away.

"The desire Dylan showed when we started conversations struck me straight away. He could've held fire to see what came up in January, but he was happy with what we discussed with him. He's a quality player and we're looking forward to seeing him on the pitch."