Portadown have added experienced midfielder Jordan Gibson to their squad ahead of their Irish Premiership opener against Glentoran on Saturday.

The 30-year-old has spent the past two seasons with Loughgall in the top flight after previous spells with Dollingstown, Lurgan Celtic, Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United.

He becomes the Niall Currie's fifth summer addition after Jamie Rea, Alex Moore, Divin Isamala and Rayhaan Tulloch.

"Obviously everyone is well aware of me and Jordan's history, he's been a Premiership player from the moment I signed him for Carrick Rangers and was brilliant for me in my time there and went on to get signed by David Jeffery at Ballymena United, so he's got great experience now at the highest level," Currie told the club's website.

"He's 30 and coming into his prime years and his versatility is always great for any squad.

"We're delighted to have the big man on board and his desire to come to our club was there for all us to see."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

The Irish Premiership season is back!

It's been 90 days since the 2024/25 Irish Premiership season came to a close with Cliftonville beating Coleraine in the European play-off final in May.

So, three months on, Northern Ireland's top flight is back and it has been a busy summer for all 12 clubs.

We start with three Saturday fixtures to kick off the season.

At Shamrock Park, Portadown, who surprised everyone in their first season back in the top flight last year host Glentoran, who will be hoping to sustain a title charge and get into Europe this season.

At Mourneview Park, Paddy McLaughlin begins his first full season in charge of Glenavon with a home game against Ballymena United, who have made some big signings in their hopes of breaking into the top six.

In the final Saturday game, Stephen Baxer returns to Crusaders as his Carrick Rangers side, littered with ex-Crues players, travel to Seaview for their season opener.

We will have live text commentary of the three games as well as in-play clips with a report, reaction and highlights to follow.

You can also listen to all the action on BBC Sportsound by clicking the play button at the top of this page or on BBC Sounds.

Thanks for joining us - enjoy!

Image source, Inpho