Deane wishes Gers well as he is recalled by Linfield

The 19-year-old kept four clean sheets in 18 appearances during a five-month spell at Rangers. An ever-present this campaign, he is brimming with potential and will be a big miss for Gary Haveron’s men.

Deane was due to play his last match for the club on Saturday against Dergview, but a waterlogged pitch at Inver Park meant his final outing in the number one shirt came in the 3-1 victory over Lisburn Distillery.

“I believe I benefitted a huge amount from my time at Carrick,” the former Queens Park Rangers youth player told the Times. “Having the opportunity to play week in, week out, at a high level - and against some stiff competition - has helped me gain experience and develop as a young player.

“From day one, I was made to feel welcome and very much a Carrick player. Gary is an inspirational manager, a real gentleman and someone who can definitely take Carrick forward in the future. I have had a great half-season on loan, and I can look back with happy memories and just hope I made a difference.”

He added: “My biggest regret is that my final game was called off, so I didn’t have the chance to say goodbye to everyone involved with the club. I appreciated the chance to play for Carrick and I’d like to thank the staff, players and supporters for making me feel so at home. I will definitely return to Taylor’s Avenue in the near future as a fan, and wish the club great success for the rest of the season and beyond.”

Deane said his finest stop came when he denied Dundela’s Owain Begss in the dying minutes of October’s 1-1 draw at Wilgar Park - Haveron’s first game as boss.

“Everyone was up for that match and there was a great buzz among the players that day. I think it was a turning point for us in the season,” he said.

“My best save came in that game too. It was at a crucial time and helped us come away from Wilgar Park with a well-earned point.”

Now he is looking forward to getting back to Linfield where he hopes to establish himself in David Jeffrey’s squad.

“I am excited to see what returning to Linfield has in store for me. I’ve grown up supporting them and playing for them since I was nine, so the club obviously means a lot to me. But, I have to say, my time spent at Carrick has given me more confidence and experience. I feel I can return to Windsor and challenge for a place in the first-team squad.”