IRISH LEAGUE: David Jeffrey arrival just the tonic for rejuvenated Darren Henderson

The striker scored his first goals of the league campaign at Dungannon on Saturday.

It was the latest stage in his return to front-line action, having spent most of the first three-quarters of the campaign on the bench.

Henderson had only made six starts all season prior to Jeffrey’s arrival.

But the 30-year-old was part of his first team selection at Crusaders, playing 74 minutes in a 0-0 draw at Seaview.

He started the next game, and was a substitute in the next two, before Saturday’s heroics.

Henderson said: “He’s given me the shirt and a bit of confidence.

“I know myself that I can score goals in this league, but I can’t do it if I’m on the bench.”

Henderson broke the deadlock and Kyle McVey doubled Ballymena’s lead.

Jamie Glackin pulled a goal back for Dungannon but Henderson responded in style, beating the offside trap to make it 3-1.

Jonny Frazer then converted Tony Kane’s cross for the fourth with just 35 minutes gone.

Andrew Mitchell bagged Dungannon’s consolation in the final seconds of the game.

Recalling Jeffrey’s words of encouragement, Henderson added: “He told me that he had always liked me as a player and he had confidence in me.

“I said that was all I needed to hear, that I just needed games. My contract is up at the end of the season, but it’s not only that. I want to stay at Ballymena and play games.”