Candystripes sign former Celtic and Toon Army hopefuls

DERRY CITY have signed former Celtic and Newcastle United hopefuls Daniel Lafferty and Michael McCrudden and boss Stephen Kenny admits there could be more additions on the way.

The Dubliner also confirmed that the double swoop, which sees the duo signed for 18 months, wasn't a knee jerk reaction to both Kevin Deery and James McClean recent injuries.

"People might be thinking the signings are because of the injuries we have had, but they are two players who have been on our radar for a long time," he said.

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"We are planning for the future and hopefully the Premier Division comes with that, but we can't be certain as we still have a lot of work to do; however they are both technically very good players but they physically have to develop, particularly Michael as he's only 18.

"We'll wait and see in regards anymore signings, as I can't say with any certainty; if anyone else is coming in then players may have to go, because we are probably at our level now."

Lafferty, who plays at left back, was recently released by Celtic and has been training with the Candystripes over recent weeks, believes the Brandywell men should be playing Premier Division football and he's going to try his best to help secure that next season.

"It's also great to sign for your local club and a club which is moving forward. It's exciting times for the club and I'm very happy to be on board and hopefully I can play my part for the rest of the season," he said.

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"For a club this size, we should be playing Premier Division football and challenging for honours in the Premier Division.

"Obviously that is where you want to be, you want to play at the highest level and the Premier Division is the highest standard in this country, so touch wood nothing happens between now and the end of the season and we continue to win matches," concluded the Carnhill man.

While teenager McCrudden - a versatile player who can play anywhere across the midfield - concedes McClean's unfortunate injury could mean he breaks into the first team squad sooner than he expected.

However the Gobnascale youngster may have to wait for his debut, as it's thought Derry still have to get his clearance finalised.

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"Whenever Stephen phoned me to say that he was interested in trying to sign me I was buzzing and I'm more than happy to sign for Derry. In fact if I had a choice of staying here or going back to England I would have picked Derry," admitted the former Newcastle United man.