Boss Jim Ervin is backing Dylan McGeouch to benefit Ballymena United thanks to a CV that boasts history with both Rangers and Celtic, plus international caps.

The Scotland-born midfielder has arrived in the Irish League on a short-term deal following a track record of clubs across the water.

Ballymena manager Ervin celebrated the addition as a well-timed answer to an ever-growing injury list but also views McGeouch a player who offers “desire” and “experience”.

Now 32 years old, McGeouch has senior international caps for Scotland plus progressed within the Glasgow ‘Old Firm’ set-up as a player developed at Celtic who joined Rangers before returning to the Hoops and making first-team progress.

placeholder image — Ballymena United boss Jim Ervin (left) with Dylan McGeouch following confirmation of his arrival as a free agent. (Photo by Ark Media/Ballymena United FC)

McGeouch has made moves to Hibernian, Aberdeen, Coventry City, Sunderland, Forest Green Rovers and Carlisle United before joining Ballymena as a free agent.

“The opportunity came up to talk to the guys behind the scenes here and I jumped at the chance to be able to come and help this squad and club going forward," said McGeouch on the official Ballymena United club website following deal confirmation. “Experience is something, hopefully, I can bring on and off the pitch.

"I've been at a lot of good clubs and still think I have a lot to give.

"One of the selling points was that the club has a lot to play for...we're looking to compete and get into that top six, along with the cup competitions and it's exciting times."

Ervin feels McGeouch brings more than a short-term solution to the Ballymena table.

“It's well-documented the injury list we have and it seems to be increasing week by week,” said Ervin on the club website. “So it's great to get another body available to us.

"But it's more about the experience he brings.

"He's one we've been looking at for a number of weeks and he's come in as a free agent so is able to play straight away.

“The desire Dylan showed when we started conversations struck me straight away.

"He could've held fire to see what came up in January, but he was happy with what we discussed with him.

"He's a quality player and we're looking forward to seeing him on the pitch.”