Ballymena United boss Oran Kearney feels Charlie Allen “just needs let off the leash” after bringing summer business to a sixth signing at The Showgrounds.

Allen makes the move following the end of his contract with Linfield, having made his debut for The Blues at 15 years old before securing a switch to Leeds United then returning home to Windsor Park.

Now 22, the attacking player brings experience of Leeds’ under 18s and under 21s alongside trophy success at Linfield across the Irish League title and BetMcLean Cup.

The former Northern Ireland under 21 international is relishing the chance to “show people what I can do” and manager Kearney is also thrilled at the potential final-third gains.

placeholder image — Charlie Allen celebrates signing for Ballymena United. (Photo by Ballymena United)

"Charlie reminds me of a few players I've had in the past in that he just needs let off the leash and allowed to play football,” said Kearney on the official Ballymena United website. “He probably hasn't quite been given a real run and opportunity yet and we'll give him loads of football.

“He has all the tools and ammunition to be a really exciting signing and get people off their seats.

"He's someone who's more than happy to take people on and create things for himself and others.

"He's one I've liked for a long time and I'm glad to have him."

Allen views the opportunity at Ballymena as “a fresh start”.

“Obviously it's a fresh start, I know it’s a good club so I just can't wait to get going here,” he said. "In and around the club, just the ideas they had and where they want to go in the future really interested me.

"Hopefully I can just get games under my belt and a lot of game time and show people what I can do and have a good few seasons here.

"I play both wings or in midfield, so I like to dribble the ball, take people on, look for passes...it's good to have a few positions because you never know what happens in season.

"You can get injuries or you need to play different positions so to have a few players in a few positions is always good.

"It's a good club and it's probably not where it should be.”

Allen marks the latest addition in Kearney’s summer rebuild alongside Stephen Fallon, Josh Archer, Scot Whiteside, Micheal Glynn and Chris McKee.

However, Jack O’Reilly and Ballymena officials “have mutually agreed to terminate the remainder of his contract with immediate effect”.

O’Reilly signed last summer from Carrick Rangers and scored three goals in 27 appearances for The Braidmen.

The Ballymena statement included: “Everyone at the club thanks Jack for his service during the past season and wishes him the best of luck with the next chapter of his football career”.