Defender Gareth McKeown has opted to sign for Crusaders

Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter has won the race to sign Portadown central defender Gareth McKeown.

The 24-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the north Belfast club after 16 months at Shamrock Park.

Baxter said he was pleased to get his man as he believed other clubs were interested when Portadown placed McKeown on the transfer list.

The Crues boss plans to tempt more quality signings to Seaview for next season's new 12-team Premier League.