Jack Keaney admits it “was not an easy decision” to leave Cliftonville after departing the Irish League club for a new adventure in America with Corpus Christi.

The 27-year-old has been one of the Reds’ standout performers since joining from Drogheda United 12 months ago, racking up 35 Premiership appearances, including 20 this term.

Keaney also started in last season’s League Cup final win over Glentoran and played 120 minutes as Cliftonville were beaten on penalties in the Irish Cup decider by Dungannon Swifts at Windsor Park.

He sits as the club’s top Premiership goalscorer this season having netted six times, including twice in last month’s 5-2 home victory over bottom club Glenavon.

placeholder image — Cliftonville’s Jack Keaney has completed a transfer to America. (Photo by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press)

Jim Magilton confirmed Keaney’s departure following Tuesday’s Senior Shield final penalty shootout defeat to Carrick Rangers with the defender now linking up with Corpus Christi, who are based in Texas and play in USL League One.

“This was not an easy decision to make and I’m incredibly appreciative for my time at Cliftonville,” said Keaney. “I have a personal desire to embrace new experiences and I am excited to take up the opportunity with Corpus Christi FC.

"I’ll always look back on my time with Cliftonville with great fondness. In particular, I am very grateful for the support of the Club, new friendships with my team-mates and the support of the fans.”

A further update from the club read: “Cliftonville FC announces with regret that Jack Keaney has left the Club.

"When Jack signed for Cliftonville, he expressed his ambition to play abroad, specifically in the USA. An agreement was made with the Club that, if the appropriate opportunity arose, we would support Jack’s aspirations and allow him to leave.

"Jack will be greatly missed by all at Solitude and we wish him every success in the United States and his future career.”

Magilton’s squad has been impacted heavily by the January transfer window with Odhran Casey departing for Shelbourne while Thomas Lavery was recalled by parent club Sunderland.

The Cliftonville chief is on the hunt for reinforcements and admits it’s crucial they conduct business before the window closes.

"The window is still open and we desperately need bodies, there’s no question,” he said after Tuesday’s loss. “We have a lot of lads out injured.

"Eric is out for the rest of the season so we’re looking to recruit. Hopefully we can do that.

"Jack Keaney is away, he wasn’t fit and he’s away as well. If you look at the back-five, we lost Tommy (Lavery) and when we were having a really good spell the selection was easy.

"You had Tommy, Casey, Jonny (Addis), Jack Keaney and Keavo (Keevan Hawthorne) or another down that side. That’s going to impact us, but it gives somebody else an opportunity.

"I’m never confident (of getting deals done) but we’ll be trying our utmost to do that. I don’t particularly like this window because it’s a difficult one.

"You’re trying to get players in and it’s always difficult because they have to hit the ground running and you’ve to be absolutely sure you’re getting the right ones in.

"It’s a really difficult situation and all managers feel the same way. We’re going to try our best and I think our squad needs a wee lift too, we will try and do that.”