O'Rourke and Clarke complete moves to Glentoran

Glentoran have completed a double swoop from Crusaders for Jarlath O'Rourke and Ross Clarke.

O'Rourke spent six years at Seaview following a move from Dungannon Swifts in 2019.

The 30-year-old defender made 246 appearances for the north Belfast club including 24 this season when he served as team captain.

"Even before getting out on the pitch with the lads, you can sense the standards around the place," O'Rourke said after the move was confirmed.

"It's a strong group, competitive in the right way and there's a real hunger within the squad to achieve something together."

Midfielder Clarke, 32, became the second player to swap Seaview for the Oval on Thursday.

The midfielder made 257 for the Crues since his arrival from Linfield in 2018, scoring 34 goals and claiming three Irish Cup winners medals in the process, but makes the move across the city to strengthen the right side of Glentoran's midfield.

"The opportunity to play full-time was one I couldn't turn down," Clarke said.

"Glentoran is a massive club with big expectations and you can see immediately the standards and professionalism around the place.

"It's a club with a real history and I'm proud to be pulling on the Glentoran jersey. I'll give everything I've got to make a success of my time here and do my bit for the team."