IRISH LEAGUE: Linfield sign Harland and Wolff Welders striker Michael McLellan

McLellan – a former youth team player at the Blues – has agreed an 18-month contract with the Windsor Park club.

“Michael has signed until the end of the 2016/17 season and I’m looking forward to working with him in the coming months,” said Linfield boss David Healy.

“He’s only 23 years of age and is a big, strong striker who has been in prolific scoring form for the Welders, having scored 74 goals in just over 50 games for them since the start of last season.

“He will certainly add to our striking options for the remainder of this season and next season and he has been allocated the number 10 shirt in our squad.”

McLellan played for Linfield’s and Preston North End’s youth teams before joining Portadown in 2012.

He then moved to Ballymena United before a successful spell with the Welders.

“I want to thank Gary Smyth and the Welders for their co-operation with this signing,” Healy added.

“They are a smashing club and they are losing a great player but they said they wouldn’t stand in his way of this move so they deserve a lot of credit.”