Andrew Hunter came through the ranks at Windsor Park

The 24-year-old signed a two-year contract on Thursday, just two days after striker Glenn Ferguson opted to stay on for another season.

"Andrew had an excellent season and was unfortunate to suffer an injury," said Linfield manager David Jeffrey.

"He scored some excellent goals last season and provides great competition for William Murphy."

Shore Road lad Hunter got his first team chance when regular defenders Noel Bailie and William Murphy were injured early in the 2004-05 campaign.

He was voted player of the month for January by the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association.

Hunter has played 100 games for the Blues, scoring 13 goals.