Kearney delighted as Dooley signs on

Dooley, who is currently studying in America, is home for Christmas and has agreed a short term deal before he heads back to the States later this month.

“Stephen should be available for us for the next couple of games,” said Oran Kearney.

“It’s a great boost for us. It’s another attacking option for what is two crucial games.

“We know what Stephen is all about, he showed in the pre-season games he guested in how much quality he has.

“His season finished at the end of December but he has been training hard since then.”

Kearney also confirmed that his is hoping to have ‘one or two’ new additions on board by next week.

Several of the squad’s fringe players though are heading out on loan. Stuart McMullan and Craig Moore have moved to Limavady United and Coagh United respectively with other deals in the pipeline.

“The development of our young players is very important,” said Kearney.

“Now is the time for them to be stepping up and gaining first team experience. But where we are at at the minute is not the environment.

“It is better that they go out on loan to play in a stress free environment. It will benefit them in the long term.”