Marc McCann will be playing in the Premier League next season

Dungannon Swifts boss Harry Fay has signed midfielder Marc McCann from Portadown on a pre-contract.

The 27-year-old is the first player to leave Shamrock Park since the Ports failed to gain entry to the new 12-team Premier League.

"Marc can play on either wing and up top and will prove a handful for defences," said Fay.

McCann's arrival comes a day after Fay missed out on signing Mark Dickson, who has moved from Linfield to Crusaders.

McCann joins recent arrivals Timmy Adamson and Darragh Peden at Stangmore Park.

The former Wolverhampton and Glenavon player represented Northern Ireland at youth level.

Fay added: "Two qualities you look for in a player are quality and character - Marc has so many qualities with versatility right at the top of it."

Dungannon Swifts boss Harry Fay has bolstered his defence after signing Darragh Peden from First Division champions Loughgall.

The centre-half joins the Stangmore Park oufit on a two-year deal.

"He has all the qualities required to play in the heart of the defence and will provide healthy competition for places at the back," said Fay.

Peden was club captain at Loughgall and helped the County Armagh outfit win five trophies last season.