Declan Devine believes the arrival of Aaron McEneff represents “a statement signing” for Glentoran with the former Shamrock Rovers star “one of the top midfielders on the island of Ireland”.

McEneff spent time at Tottenham Hotspur as a youngster before enjoying senior spells with Derry City, Hearts, Perth Glory and Rovers. where he made 24 Premier Division appearances last term.

The 30-year-old has previously celebrated silverware success, including winning the Scottish Championship with Hearts in 2021.

McEneff, the brother of Larne midfielder Jordan, will now take his first step into the Irish League and joins Ben Gallagher, Jack Malone, Ross Clarke and Jarlath O’Rourke as a January arrival at The Oval.

placeholder image — Glentoran Football Club has completed the signing of central midfielder Aaron McEneff from Shamrock Rovers for an undisclosed fee. (Photo by Glentoran FC)

“This is a statement signing for Glentoran,” said Devine. “Aaron is one of the top midfielders on the island of Ireland and we’re absolutely delighted to bring him to The BetMcLean Oval.

"He’s a proven winner with real quality and his mentality and experience are exactly what we want in this squad.

“We’ve got very good players already in the middle of the park, who have all been excellent and adding Aaron increases competition and raises standards.

"He also complements the creativity we have in attacking midfield and gives us different ways to play.

“He’s a modern midfielder with intensity and personality.

"He can set the tempo, cover ground, press, win duels and get us playing on the front foot and he adds goals from midfield as well. We’re pleased to get the deal done.

"Aaron’s ambition matches ours and I’m confident he’ll make a big impact for us over the coming seasons.

“I want to place on record my thanks to Ali Pour for his continued backing and to Paul Millar for turning this deal around as quickly as possible.

"I’d also like to thank Stephen Bradley and everyone at Shamrock Rovers for their cooperation in pushing the move through.”

McEneff also brings European experience to East Belfast having represented Dublin-based Rovers in the Conference League across the past two seasons.

He started as Stephen Bradley’s side defeated Larne 4-1 in October 2024 and believes a move to Glentoran represents the perfect next step in his career.

“Glentoran is one of the biggest clubs on the island of Ireland and the opportunity to come in and be part of what’s being built here really excites me,” he said. “For me, it feels like the perfect fresh start.

"Once I spoke with Declan and Paddy (McCourt) and heard about the standards they expect every day and where they believe this club is going, it was something I couldn’t say no to.

“I’m a midfielder who plays with intensity. I want to set the tempo, work hard for the group and contribute at both ends of the pitch.

"I want to move the ball forward quickly, create chances, arrive in the box and add goals from midfield as well. I also want to press, cover ground, win duels and make sure we play on the front foot.

“The Irish Premiership is a league that’s going from strength to strength and it’s one I’m really looking forward to competing in.

"This team has huge potential, but it only matters if you deliver. I’ve come here to win, nothing else. I can’t wait to get in, meet everyone properly and get started.”