Cliftonville midfielder Michael Collins has signed for Smirnoff Premiership leaders Portadown.

The club's chairman agreed terms for the transfer and the deal was announced on Tuesday.

Collins had been placed on the transfer list at Solitude as a disciplinary measure following an incident in an Intertoto Cup game in June against Moldovan side Tilagul Tiraspo.

The player picked up a six-match ban from Uefa for striking an opponent after being sent-off.

Cliftonville's decision to make Collins available, alerted several of the Irish league's top clubs.

David Jeffrey, of champions Linfield, was one of the bosses to make contact.

But Portadown were the first to table a firm bid and now the two clubs have agreed on the move.

Ports boss Ronnie McFall, heartened by the way his new-look side has started the campaign, was pleased with his latest acquisition.