Marty Hunter has been out of the first team picture at the Oval

Glentoran have released midfielder Marty Hunter.

Hunter has been out of the first team picture at the Oval since midway through last season and he asked for a transfer.

Glentoran manager Roy Coyle said that he didn't want the player to leave.

"But it is pointless keeping players if they don't want to stay," said Coyle.

"We wish him all the best for the future and thank him for his contribution to the club over the past years".

Hunter has been granted a free transfer.

Meanwhile, Portadown defender Stephen Douglas is set to move to Linfield.

Linfield have been attempting to sign Douglas for some time but the two clubs were haggling over whether a transfer fee would be paid.

However, a number of Linfield supporters have now come up with the money for the deal.

Douglas was so keen to return to Windsor Park where he began his career that he offered to pay a portion of the transfer fee himself.

Douglas is currently recovering from an injury sustained at work however he is expected to resume training next week.

He began as a junior with Linfield, moved to Larne and then moved on to Portadown in 2001.

Linfield boss David Jeffrey said he was "delighted to see him return to where it all began".

Meanwhile, Michael Gault will return to the Linfield squad for Saturday's CIS League Cup game at Newry.

Fit-again Chris Morgan play for Linfield Swifts against Grove United on Saturday.

Ryan McCann and Paul McAreavey continue to be on the sidelines as a result of suspensions imposed at the end of last season.

The weekend CIS Cup action begins with Friday evening's Tyrone derby between Dungannon Swifts and Omagh Town at Stangmore Park (1945 BST).

Dungannon boss Joe McAree, still smarting after the 8-0 hammering by Glentoran last Saturday, includes former Linfield winger Miguel Chines, Shane Coney and new goalkeeper Johnny Pollock in his squad.

Omagh boss Roy McCreadie can call on Andy Crawford who was on holiday during last weekend's 2-1 home defeat by Cliftonville.

James Quigley may line out for Cliftonville against Glentoran

Recent signing Gerard Moore is also in line to make his full Omagh debut.

Pat McGibbon returns to the Portadown squad for Saturday's CIS Cup game against Glenavon at Mourneview Park.

McGibbon has completed a suspension while Dean Fitzgerald is also available after recovering from a kne injury.

Newry will include new centre-forward Colm Mahon for the game against Linfield at the Marshes.

Timmy Grant is ruled out for Ollie Ralph's side after picking up a head wound in last weekend's defeat at Ballyskeagh.

Gareth Fulton, Robbie Brunton and Barry Meehan who all missed the Distillery defeat because of injury could return to the Newry first team.

Cliftonville boss Marty Tabb is hoping to include recent signing James Quigley and Stephen Maguire against Glentoran at Solitude.

Quigley missed the win over Omagh through suspension while Maguire was ruled out by 'flu.

John Gregg is a doubt for the Reds because of 'flu while Keith Mulvenna is hoping to shake off a back injury.

Meanwhile, Bangor have signed former Linfield and Cliftonville player Tommy McDonald from Larne.

CIS Insurance Cup

Friday (1945 BST)
Dungannon Swifts v Omagh Town

Saturday (1500)
Cliftonville v Glentoran
Ballymena United v Institute
Glenavon v Portadown
Crusaders v Coleraine
Limavady United v Ards
Larne v Lisburn Distillery
Newry Town v Linfield

Daily Mirror Trophy (1430)
Ballymoney United v Banbridge Town
Bangor v Annagh United
Chimney Corner v Ballinamallard Utd
Dergview v HW Welders
Donegal Celtic v Coagh United
Tobermore United v Carrick Rangers
Queen's University v Lurgan Celtic
Moyola Park v PSNI
Portstewart v Armagh City