Matthew Tipton insists Conor McMenamin has “nothing to prove” after his move to Coleraine didn’t work out – and backed the Northern Ireland international to make an “instant impact” having returned to former club Glentoran.

McMenamin departed the Irish League as one of its top players for St Mirren in 2023 and made a high-profile return earlier this summer as a key signing for the Bannsiders.

However, after just 70 days on Coleraine’s books and having not started a league match, the 31-year-old agreed to a third stint at the Glens – he scored 43 goals in 114 appearances across the first two spells.

It was time spent with his former Linfield team-mate Tipton at Warrenpoint Town between 2016 and 2018 which helped set McMenamin up for a successful career.

placeholder image — Matthew Tipton celebrates with Conor McMenamin in 2017 after Warrenpoint won the Championship title. (Photo by Declan Roughan/Presseye)

Since departing Milltown, McMenamin shone at Cliftonville and the Glens before winning a Scottish League Cup with St Mirren last season.

He has also earned 14 senior Northern Ireland caps, scoring his maiden international goal against San Marino in October 2023.

"I don't think he'll be bothered about a point to prove,” said Tipton. “He's a Northern Ireland international, played in Scotland, was the best player (in the Irish League) prior to going away – he has nothing to prove.

"Look, people make the wrong moves. If you're in football long enough, you're going to make the wrong decision here and there.

"He obviously thought it was the best move and it clearly turned out not to be, but it wasn't like he stunk the place out for three years and hardly kicked a ball and they accused him of stealing a wage, it was four games into a season.

"I think it's quite a smart move from both Conor and Coleraine.

"If it's not working out, if a player doesn't fit into the system, the style of play, and the player's happy enough to move on somewhere else, then it works out best for everybody.”

McMenamin said his Glentoran return “feels like coming home” and highlighted a strong desire to add a Gibson Cup to his trophy collection.

Tipton fully expects McMenamin to hit the ground running for Devine’s men and believes he’s the perfect addition as they look to get their season going after alternating wins with losses across the opening four matches.

"They'll want him to maybe kick start the season,” added Tipton. “It should give them a big boost.

"He's the type of guy that'll come in and basically let it be known that he's there to inspire them...Conor isn’t short of confidence.

"Everybody knows him, the fans love him, so that should be an instant impact for him and the club.

"There’s a different manager in place than when he was there previously, but it shouldn't really matter to Conor with his style of play.

"He should suit what Glentoran are looking for, a creative wide player, and don't forget he can also play centre-forward if needed – I think it's a great signing for the Glens.”