Ports' Conaty signs for Celtic

The Northern Ireland youth international has been restricted to just a single Danske Bank Premiership start this season and one League Cup appearance due to injury.

Ports boss Ronnie McFall admits frustration at the promising playmaker’s exit from Shamrock Park.

“Shea is an amateur so has made the decision to move on from Portadown,” said McFall. “It has been a frustrating time and he wanted to go.

“Shea has been injured for most of the season and not had a chance recently to play much due to so few reserve games.

“We are sorry to see him go.

“He came into the first-team squad last year and played really well.”

Conaty emerged as a key part of the club’s Harry Cavan Youth Challenge Cup-winning side in 2014 before securing his spot in the senior squad at just 16 years old.

He secured a sustained run in the first-team side last season.

He can count goals at youth international level against England and Finland as highlights, plus regular appearances for County Armagh across the Milk Cup.

Conaty agreed terms with Celtic last night (Thursday) and will now join the Championship One club.

Conaty’s departure arrives one week on from the transfer of Darren Murray to Cliftonville and just days after confirmation that Michael Gault has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Crusaders in the summer.