Rangers swoop for Donaghy

Former Cliftonville centre-back Donaghy was a spectator at last night’s Steel and Sons Cup defeat to Crusaders Reserves. He joins Carrick after more than a decade with the Reds.

Ex-Crusaders and Distillery player McCann arrives at the Taylor’s Avenue club on a one-year deal.

Dougherty, signed from Ards, will provide competition for Linfield loanee Gareth Deane. Earlier he tweeted: “Feeling great this morning, pleased to finally put pen to paper with a new club last night. Really excited about it now. #thejourneycontinues.”

Dougherty’s arrival is likely to see Simon Steele move in the opposite direction. With the transfer window closing at midnight, the Times understands his move to Ards will be rubber stamped today.

On Thursday Rangers confirmed the loan signing of defender Dermot McVeigh, from Premiership champions Cliftonville.