Cliftonville have confirmed the double signing of Scottish stars Dean McMaster and Alex Bannon as Jim Magilton continues to shape his squad ahead of the new season.

McMaster started his senior career with St Mirren before enjoying a loan move to Airdrieonians, who signed the midfielder on a permanent basis in 2023.

The 23-year-old made 100 league appearances for Airdrie, including 24 in the Scottish Championship last season, and also helped them win the SPFL Trust Trophy alongside new Cliftonville team-mate Liam McStravick.

McMaster also captained Airdrie on a number of occasions but missed the end of last term as the Excelsior Stadium outfit were relegated to League One.

placeholder image — Alex Bannon (left) has joined Cliftonville after leaving Burton Albion. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

With his Airdrie contract expiring at the end of last season, the club confirmed McMaster’s departure earlier this month, saying he “moves on with our thanks and best wishes”.

McMaster has been joined at Solitude by fellow countryman Bannon, who departed Burton Albion last month after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with the League One club.

The 22-year-old defender made 12 appearances for Burton after joining from Queen's Park in 2024 and also enjoyed loan spells at both Airdrie and Derry City during his time on the Brewers’ books.

Bannon played 12 times in the League of Ireland’s Premier Division across two seasons with Derry City, scoring three goals, and becomes Magilton’s seventh new signing ahead of the 2026/27 Premiership campaign.