Glentoran complete Crusaders double transfer swoop with winger set to 'make a real difference'
Glentoran have completed a double transfer swoop from Crusaders with Ross Clarke joining his former captain Jarlath O’Rourke at The Oval.
Clarke celebrated Premiership and Irish Cup glory with Linfield, making 83 appearances across six years at Windsor Park, before moving to the Crues in June 2018.
The 32-year-old won another three Irish Cup crowns with the North Belfast club, scoring in their 2019 final victory over Ballinamallard United and also netted four years later during a 4-0 win against Ballymena United.
Injury limited Clarke’s involvement at stages throughout the current campaign, missing the entirety of October, with the winger making 12 league appearances this term – the last in a 2-2 December draw against Carrick Rangers.
After O’Rourke’s arrival was confirmed on Thursday morning, Clarke followed a matter of hours later and manager Declan Devine believes he can make an impact at Glentoran.
"Ross is a player we’ve come up against many times and he’s always given us a hard time in matches,” he said. “He’s a right-sided midfielder with real quality, intelligence and end product and he has consistently delivered at this level for a long time.
“He was clear from the start that he wanted to come and play for Glentoran and be part of what we’re trying to deliver here. He’s ambitious, he’s driven and he’s desperate to come in and contribute.
“We were keen to strengthen the wide areas and Ross gives us a brilliant option on that right side. He’s the type of player who can put real quality into the box, while also giving us that creative spark in the final third.
“We’re delighted to bring Ross to Glentoran and I’m confident he’ll make a real difference for us in the second half of the season. We’ve a lot to play for.”
Clarke becomes the latest player to swap Crusaders for Glentoran with Daniel Larmour and Jordan Stewart making the same move last season.
“The opportunity to play full-time was one I couldn’t turn down,” he said. “Glentoran is a massive club with big expectations and you can see immediately the standards and professionalism around the place.
“It’s a club with a real history and I’m proud to be pulling on the Glentoran jersey. I’ll give everything I’ve got to make a success of my time here and do my bit for the team.
“I’ve spoken with Declan since everything was completed and the way they outlined where the club is going really impressed me. You can see the passion and determination to bring success here and I wanted to be part of that.
“I’ve also spoken to Daniel, Jordan and Jarlath and they’ve said nothing but good things about the group here and the standards the lads set every day. I’m really looking forward to getting in, meeting everyone properly and getting started.”