Niall Currie believes Portadown are set to benefit from Shay McCartan 'in his prime' as midfielder signs contract extension
Niall Currie believes Portadown are going to see the best of Shay McCartan in his “prime” after the former Northern Ireland international signed a contract extension at Shamrock Park.
The 30-year-old has agreed terms which will see him extend his stay at Portadown until the summer of 2026.
McCartan joined the Ports at the start of this season after a spell at Glentoran and has netted four times in 33 appearances for the County Armagh side.
The midfielder has two full international caps to his name and represented the likes of Burnley, Accrington Stanley, Lincoln City and Bradford City during his playing days in England.
Speaking to Portadown’s official website about the development, a delighted Currie said: “We’re delighted to get Shay on board again for next season, we know next season is going to be even more difficult but having Shay’s experience and quality will only help us attract more quality that we’re going to need.
"Shay feels at home and that is the environment my staff and myself wanted at our club. Shay and Aaron McCarey were our two big signings of last season and the help they gave getting others on board was huge.
"I’m very excited that our supporters are going to see a Shay McCartan in his prime next season at 31 years of age.
"Thank you to my board as we have now a nucleus of players committed for next season, it’s now up to me and my staff to attract the next level of player that we need to progress our club.”
On signing the extension, ex-Ballymena ace McCartan remarked: “I’m delighted to sign for another year, the gaffer has brought good people into the place that makes it really enjoyable to work in.
"We’ve had a good season this year and want to progress next season and I think we’ve the squad there to do so.”