Declan Devine predicts 'big future' for Glentoran goalkeeper after sealing Premiership loan

The 19-year-old made his top-flight debut for the Glens during the 2023/24 season and has since racked up further senior experience during loan moves to Lisburn Distillery, Newry City and Ballinamallard United.

Donnelly spent the first half of the current campaign with Championship side Ballinamallard, making 24 appearances across all competitions prior to being recalled.

He will now continue his development at Taylors Avenue after Carrick’s number one Nathan Gartside limped off during their 2-2 league draw with Crusaders last month – manager Stephen Baxter fears he could be out for “a few weeks or months” with a thigh injury.

“This is a great opportunity for Lorcan to continue his development at Sports Direct Premiership level,” said Devine. “He’s had an excellent first half of the season with Ballinamallard United, following on from impressive spells with Newry City and Lisburn Distillery.

“We see a big future for him at The BetMcLean Oval and joining Carrick Rangers represents the next step in his progression.

"This move gives him the chance to push for a starting place, gain valuable minutes in the top flight and continue developing in a demanding environment.

“The plan is for Lorcan to return having gained that experience and be integrated into our first-team squad ahead of next season. We’ll monitor his progress closely and look forward to welcoming him back.”

Donnelly is hoping a successful stint at Carrick can help push his case for an enhanced role with parent club Glentoran.

“I’m really proud to sign a new long-term contract with Glentoran and grateful for the trust the club has shown in me,” he said. “Carrick Rangers is a great opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to going in, working hard every day and doing everything I can to help the team.

"I know there’s strong competition for places, but that’s part of playing at this level and something I’m really looking forward to.

“My focus is on gaining valuable experience, continuing to improve and pushing myself in a highly demanding and competitive environment.

"Hopefully I can come back to Glentoran in the summer having learned a lot and done enough to put myself in contention for the first-team squad.”

Following Gartside’s injury, Baxter has been on the hunt for a new goalkeeper to challenge Scott Pengelly and is excited by Donnelly’s potential.

“We’ve had a bit of a problem with losing Nathan Gartside for a few weeks or months with a torn thigh muscle, so it put us in a very difficult position where we only had one goalkeeper,” he said. “We’ve been scouring the country for a week now for a suitable replacement and Lorcan has come very highly recommended.

"He’s a 19-year-old goalkeeper who’s really on the rise who was drawing a lot of interest from other Clubs and Glentoran have been superb in their approach to helping us.

"I have to thank Declan Devine, Elliot Morris and Paul Millar for their help in getting him in. He’s a really good prospect who we’re delighted to have with us and we’re looking forward to what he can do in the coming months.”