Glentoran confirm Gallagher and Malone signings

Glentoran have bolstered their attacking options for the remainder of the season with the signings of Ben Gallagher and Jack Malone.

Gallagher arrives at the Oval following a spell in Australia with Mandurah City, having previously made 119 appearances for Dungannon Swifts, scoring 20 goals.

The 23-year-old, who can play centrally or on the wing, scored nine goals in 23 appearances at Stangmore Park in the 2023/24 season before departing for Australia and says his return to the Irish Premiership with the Glens feels like "the right fit".

"I'm absolutely delighted to sign for Glentoran and to be back playing in the Sports Direct Premiership," he said.

"It's a huge club, one of the biggest on the island of Ireland and the opportunity to play here was one I really wanted when I returned from Australia.

"From the moment I spoke with the manager, it felt like the right fit. The standards around the club are extremely high and everything is geared towards getting the very best out of the players."

Attacking midfield Malone arrives on an undisclosed fee following his transfer from Glenavon.

The 25-year-old scored 19 league goals and made 127 appearances for the Lurgan Blues since his arrival from Derry City in 2022 and says he is delighted to reunite with manager Declan Devine.

"I want to win things and Glentoran offers me a fantastic opportunity to do that in a full-time, professional environment geared towards long-term success," he said.

"I worked with Declan and Paddy McCourt earlier in my career at Derry City and the standards they set and the way they want their teams to play always stood out to me. Their vision for the club is outstanding and it really excited me."

Heading in the opposite direction are attacking midfielder Charlie Lindsay and striker Nathaniel Ferris who have signed for Glenavon on loan until the end of the season from the Glens.

Lindsay had spells with Rangers and Derby County before returning to Glentoran, while Ferris previously played for Loughgall, Dungannon Swifts and Annagh United prior to his time at the Oval.

"We're obviously gutted to lose Jack but considering the position we're in it's unfortunately a deal that has to be done," said Glenavon boss Michael O'Connor.

"It's also no secret that we've been struggling at the top end of the pitch so being able to get the two lads (Ferris and Lindsay) in is a great piece of business."

Elsewhere, Dungannon Swifts have confirmed the signing of midfielder Shea Gordon from Cliftonville, while the Reds have announced Northern Ireland U21 international Liam McStravick has joined the club from Airdrieonians.