Dolan could be set for Rangers return

Since then he has had a spell with Ballymena United before linking up with League of Ireland outfit, Shelbourne.

“We have made him an offer and he is keen to come back,” confirmed Rangers boss, Gary Haveron. “He will be coming to our first pre-season training session on Saturday and we will have further discussions then.

“Shane has a full-time job and, with Shels training on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, playing Saturday and training again on Sunday, he is finding it hard to commit to them.

“Travelling up here is a bit of a problem, of course, but he is very willing to return to us. We will see of we can come to some sort of arrangement.”

Dolan, who made 12 appearances for Carrick in 2012, scoring seven goals, said: “A few people had been on to me to see if I would be interested in going back to the club and put Gary (Haveron) on to me. I spoke with him on the phone for about 40 minutes one evening and I knew there and then I wanted to play for him.

“I always said when I left Carrick that I wanted to go back one day. I loved my time there. They gave me my chance and I feel I want to repay their faith shown in me by firing them back where they belong - the Premiership.

“I had a great bond with the fans and I really enjoyed my time there and I scored a lot. That happens when your enjoying your football.”

Dolan believes his game has improved since he last donned an amber shirt and, if a deal can be done, feels he will bring goals to the Championship club.

“Gary’s team plays a great brand of football and with the quality in the team I know I’ll get chances,” he said. “I have improved a lot, learning from the best in Spike (Glenn Ferguson), and with the good training at Shels,

“I’m very hopeful a deal can be done on Saturday. I have had a few other offers from north and south, but after speaking with Gary, my mind was made up. But there has been no concrete offer and I’ll be up to train on Saturday and then sit down with the board, Gary and my dad, Paul, to work it out.”