Shields happy with deadline day move

The talented midfielder, who hasn't played in a number of months has signed until the end of the season and is hoping to make his 'Stute debut against Ballymena United, at Drumahoe, this Saturday (KO 3pm).

"I thought I wouldn't be playing until next season, so to get the opportunity to sign for Institute, was great," he said.

"I know that John Gregg has been after me for a while, so thankfully everything is now sorted out. I wasn't signed in time to play against Cliftonville on Tuesday night, but I'm due to play for the Reserves against Linfield Reserves tonight (Wednesday) and I'll be glad to get back on a football pitch.

"I think I'll need a few games to get back into the thick of things, but because we have had so many matches off then there's still plenty of games remaining, so hopefully we can start moving up the table."

The ex-Finn Harps man has already played with the likes of Gavin Cullen, Shaun Holmes and Kevin Ramsey to name but three, so he feels settling into his new surroundings won't be difficult.

"I played with Gavin, Homer and Rambo at Finn Harps, while I have either played with or against the majority of the rest of the squad, so hopefully I can settle in quickly.

"If I come through tonight's match I'm hoping to be involved in Saturday's match with Ballymena United, but we'll take one game at a time."

As for Gregg he was thrilled to finally get his man and he believes Shields' experience will be vital during the remainder of the season.

"I have been after him for a while and I have to admit that the deal was right down to the wire but thankfully we got it done," added the 'Stute boss.

"Although he isn't old I believe his experience of playing at the highest level both here and the League of Ireland will benefit us. He also played with Peterborough United for a number of years, so he's a top player.

"Hopefully he comes through tonight's reserve match unscathed so that he's available for selection for the Ballymena game, which like every match for us is another big match."

Prior to last night's clash at Solitude, the Waterside men should have had Ryan Semple back in the squad after he missed last Saturday's defeat at Cliftonville, but striker Paul Brown may have played his last game for the club.

The striker was placed on the transfer list and has been suspended without pay by the club who claim he breached his contract.

The club says the Limavady man failed to turn up for the recent match against Linfield and even though the game was postponed the big centre-forward still failed to report to Drumahoe.