Reill deal

Cliftonville Football Club are very pleased to announce the signing of Ryan O’Reilly.

The central defender joins from Ballinamallard United, where he previously played alongside Reds duo Ryan Curran and Richard Brush.

Formerly on the books of Stoke City, the 25-year-old Cavan man – who also spent loan spells at Barrow and Wrexham – joined his new team-mates for training at Solitude this morning and admits he cannot wait to get started.

“It’s been a frustrating time for everybody in football over the last few months but it’s good to see things starting to settle down and I’m very pleased to have signed for such a big Club,” he says.

“There’s a great bunch of players already here and a very good defence but I’m hoping I can come in and add to that and hopefully help us all improve even more.

“When Paddy (McLaughlin) and a Club like Cliftonville comes in for you, you don’t need it to be sold to you – I already know who Cliftonville are and what they’re about and I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.”

O’Reilly, who will wear the number 5 shirt, is also happy to be linking up with some familiar faces in his new surroundings.

“It’s great to have that connection with Ryan Curran and Brushy, who I played with at Ballinamallard before they came to Cliftonville,” he adds.

“Alongside Chris Curran, players who have moved between the Clubs have done very well and hopefully I can follow in their footsteps.”