Portadown striker Darren Murray signs for Cliftonville

The 24-year-old former Newry City and Donegal Celtic ace - who played for the Reds as a trialist in a 2010 friendly against Knockbreda - has this morning put pen to paper on a deal that sees him join up with his boyhood Club, where cousin Martin Donnelly is, of course, already an integral member of the squad.

Commenting on the acquisition of a proven Premiership goalscorer, Manager Gerard Lyttle - who will be able to call upon Murray for Saturday’s meeting with Glenavon at Mourneview Park - said: “Darren is a player we have been tracking for quite some time now and it’s great to get the transfer completed and over the line.

“As you would expect for someone of his quality, there was significant interest from other Clubs but it was very clear in his mind that this was the place for him and I’m sure I speak for everyone here - players, coaches, supporters and board members - when I say we’re all looking forward to seeing him in action in a Cliftonville shirt.”

Chairman Gerard Lawlor, meanwhile, added: “Everybody at the Club is very pleased to welcome Darren to Solitude and I know the player himself is excited about playing for Cliftonville. He has scored goals wherever he’s been and I have the utmost confidence he will continue to do so here.

“As a Football Club, we are always examining how we can improve on and off the pitch and, once the manager indicated that Darren was a player he was interested in signing, we worked hard to ensure the deal was completed as soon as possible and I would like to thank Portadown FC for their cooperation throughout all negotiations.”