Oran Kearney feels new Ballymena United signing 'has all the attributes to be a top 'keeper' after Linfield exit
Ballymena United manager Oran Kearney feels David Walsh “has all the attributes to be a top 'keeper” after joining the Sky Blues from Linfield.
Walsh made 24 Premiership appearances during the 2024/25 campaign as David Healy’s side strolled to Gibson Cup glory, taking over number one duties from experienced Irish League shot-stopper Chris Johns.
However, the 23-year-old played in just five league matches last term after Johns reclaimed his starting position.
Walsh has now joined former Linfield team-mates Chris McKee, Scot Whiteside, Stephen Fallon, Josh Archer and Charlie Allen in making a move to The Showgrounds.
"The quality of David is undoubtedly there, dislodging a goalkeeper of Chris Johns' stature a couple of seasons ago tells you that,” Kearney told the club’s website. “The frustration since has been David's lack of game time, but what he's looking for now is a run of games and he has all the attributes to be a top 'keeper here.
"The goalkeeping situation wasn't ideal last season for one reason or another, which we respect, but goalkeeping isn't an area you want to be chopping and changing and we now have two high quality 'keepers which is vitality important."
Walsh has been handed the number one jersey by Ballymena and is keen to nail down his position as starting goalkeeper.
'I'm already looking forward to getting out on the pitch and hopefully playing a lot of games,” he said. “I got taste of being a number one at Linfield a couple of seasons ago and after speaking to Oran about his plans, it was something I'm really interested in."