Former Glentoran defender set for England return after spell in Croatia

Hvid arrived at the Glens from Championship side Millwall in 2024 and made 31 Premiership appearances during his debut campaign at The Oval, scoring three times.

The 21-year-old was named Ballymac Glentoran Supporters’ Club Young Player of the Year but found opportunities limited during the following campaign.

Hvid joined Croatian third-tier side NK Kustošija for an undisclosed fee in January and is now understood to be returning to England with National League South club Maidstone.

Maidstone finished eighth in last season’s sixth-tier, missing out on a play-off position on goal difference despite ending the campaign with a six-game unbeaten run.

The Kent-based club famously reached the FA Cup fifth round in 2023/24, becoming the first team outside of the top-five divisions to achieve that feat since 1977/78.

After signing Hvid, Glens manager Declan Devine said: “Frankie is a young player who has impressed in training and friendlies over a number of weeks.

It took a bit of work with his former club to get the signing over the line but I am delighted that he has agreed to come to the Oval and has made the big commitment to further his career in Northern Ireland.”