IRISH LEAGUE: Stephen Baxter snaps up Portadown youngsters

The Danske Premiership champions have already tied up deals with Michael Gault and Philip Lowry from the ailing Ports, while David Cushley has arrived from Ballymena United . . . and defender Howard Beverland has been recruited from Coleraine.

Baxter’s latest piece of business, both players are only 20 year old, sends out a sound message that the a hat-trick of titles is very much on the club’s radar.

Cliftonville boss Gerard Lyttle has also been busy in the transfer market, signing defender Jason McGuinness from St Patrick’s Athletic.

The experienced 33 year old Dubliner has had spells with Bohemians, Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers.

He arrives at Solitude with three SSE Airtricity League titles in his locker as well as two Setanta Sports Cup medals and FAI Cup and League of Ireland Cup honours.

McGuinness is a former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international. He will meet up with his new colleagues for pre-season training next week.

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney has completed the signing of Gareth McConaghie from junior side Dervock.

The defender previously played under Kearney at Limavady United.

“Gareth is a player I know very well,” said Kearney. “He was far too good for the league he was playing in . . . he is ready for the step up to senior soccer.

“It’s now up to Gareth to seize the opportunity. His signing will help offset the disappointment of losing our skipper Howard Beverland to Crusaders.”

Kearney has also agreed new deals with goalkeeper duo, Chris Johns and Michael Doherty, who will take over the goalkeeping coaching responsibilities at the club.

“It provides us with very strong competition for the position,” added Kearney.

Portadown manager Pat McGibbon has began a rebuilding process at struggling Shamrock Park by snapping up Donegal Celtic defender Brendan Shannon, formerly with Glenavon.

Lurgan Celtic defender Adam Rodgers is also expected to sign this week.

Transfer restrictions placed on the club by the IFA have prevented McGibbon from adding players on a professional contract until June 2017.

Meanwhile, Glentoran defender Barry Holland has decided the hang up the boots.

Having joined the East Belffast club in August, 2014, he made the right back position his own, racking up 78 appearances.

His decision to retire was based on work and family commitments.

Glens boss Alan Kernaghan said: “He was a model professional in terms of the way he conducted himself, the way he trained and played. He will be missed.”