Leaders Larne sign Doherty from Coleraine

Irish Premiership leaders Larne have signed midfielder Ronan Doherty from title rivals Coleraine for an undisclosed fee.

The 30-year-old joined Coleraine from Cliftonville in January 2025 and also has top-flight experience with Institute.

It is the first January arrival for the Inver Park side, who hold an eight-point lead over the Bannsiders and have a game in hand.

Larne manager Gary Haveron said he was "absolutely delighted" to acquire the services of Doherty.

"Ronan is a player I've admired for some time and I think he is a really fantastic addition," said Haveron.

"Having met with him recently I not only think he's a great player, but a great lad and he fits with what we want in the people we bring into the group."

Doherty said that Larne are "the best team in the league at the minute" and he was delighted to side.

"They're top of the league for a reason and what more could you want to play for the number one?," he said.

"Larne have also won two of the last three league titles and become a massive club, so it's not a tough decision at all to come here.

"Inver Park was a place I hated to come to, because you so rarely got anything from the game. I want to play my part in helping to keep it that way."

Meanwhile, County Antrim Shield winners Carrick Rangers have announced the signing of former Stoke City forward Rakealan Jeffers, known as Keke, on a short term deal until the end of the season.

"I am excited to be here and can't wait to get started," 20-year-old Keke said.

"The atmosphere the Carrick fans brought to the final was amazing, I'm really looking forward to playing for the Amber Army."