Carrick Rangers announce loan signing of Gerard Storey

The 18-year-old, who started off his career at Portadown, said his close friendship with Jerry Thompson was a strong factor in his decision to join the club.

“It is an absolute pleasure to come to Carrick Rangers on loan, for me it is all about getting loads of games on board and I will do everything I can to benefit this team and get them up the table," Storey told the club website.

"I had a lot of other offers from teams higher up in the league but when I spoke with Carrick my decision was made straight away; that is the least I can do for the club after what they have done for Jerry and our family.

"I can’t wait to get started and continue on from where my best friend left off.”

Rangers boss Niall Curries is thrilled to bring Storey to the club, especially after he featured for Pompey at the start of December, coming on as a substitute in a 3-0 win over Cheltenham in the EFL Trophy.

“We learned of Gerard’s availability late on Wednesday last week and given our close connection with Gerard through the family of Jerry Thompson we threw our hat in the ring and were competing with other top Premiership sides for his signature," he said.

"Whenever you get the opportunity to sign a special talent like Gerard who is technically fantastic and a wonderful footballer you have to take it.

"He made his first team debut for Portsmouth only a month ago but is home again due to the current situation with Covid-19 and so the opportunity arose to get him on board for the rest of the season.

"I quickly contacted our Chairman who got the deal over the line for us and so I am absolutely delighted.

"We are all really looking forward to watching this young man play and as far as we are concerned it’s not very often a club like ours gets to sign this quality of player.

"The fact that Gerard was so eager to come to us ahead of two other fantastic Premiership sides says everything we need to know about him.

"We are delighted to have him on board and can’t wait to watch him play for Carrick Rangers.”

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