Q Radio Sport
Glentoran have boosted their Irish League title hopes by signing two of the star players from Glenavon.
They've snapped up striker Andrew Mitchell and Northern Ireland under-21 international defender Caolan Marron - the reigning NI Young Player of the Year.
Both have signed two and a half year deals and are available immediately.
Glens boss Mick McDermott has called them two of the best young players in the league.
He added that his assistant manager Paul Millar worked closely with both men when part of the coaching set-up at Glenavon "and he knows how much they can bring to Glentoran in the months and years ahead."
Sensational double swoop by @Glentoran
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 16, 2020
Glens sign two of Irish League's top players from @Glenavon_FC - star striker Andrew Mitchell & NI u21 defender Caolan Marron. Massive statement & huge boost for GFC #DanskeBankPrem title bid
Calum Birney goes to Glenavon#Glentoran pic.twitter.com/GfXnRrh28b
Interviews courtesy Glens TV/DigiVibe Media:
Interview 📺 | Must Watch - GlensTV caught up with Mick McDermott for a January update on new signings and the month ahead! ➡️ https://t.co/KcWyn56d8x #TimeToClimb 💚🐓
— Glentoran FC (@Glentoran) January 17, 2020
Exclusive Interview 📺
— Glentoran FC (@Glentoran) January 17, 2020
GlensTV caught up with new signing Caolan Marron to get his thoughts on signing for Glentoran.
➡️ https://t.co/1yAMen2sA0 #TimeToClimb 💚🐓
It rounds off a busy week for McDermott who also secured extended contracts for Croatian pair midfielder Hrvoje Plum and goalkeeper Marijan Antolovic as well as Northern Ireland under-21s midfielder Chris Gallagher.
Plum signings for Glens...
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 14, 2020
Midfield star Hrvoje Plum puts pen to paper and extends his contract for another season
His Croatian compatriot, giant goalkeeper Marijan Antolovic also remains at the Oval until the end of the 2020/21 season@Glentoran #Glentoran pic.twitter.com/SVXbOyJrqg
🎥 @MickMcDermott strikes again!
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 15, 2020
Glens boss secures one of country’s top young talents on extended contract - @NorthernIreland u21 midfielder @GallagherCricky staying at Oval till 2022
Player of the month for past 2 months, he’s loving life in the East: @Glentoran #Glentoran pic.twitter.com/ALScasPX2J
Meanwhile, centre-back Calum Birney is moving in the opposite direction to join Glenavon as part of the Mitchell/Marron deal.
And Glens striker Darren Murray is off on loan to Carrick Rangers for the rest of the season.
Another departure from Mourneview is forward Stephen Murray, who's joining Mid-Ulster neighbours Portadown as Lurgan Blues boss Gary Hamilton rebuilds his squad.
Glentoran go to Institute in their latest Danske Bank Premiership fixture on Saturday.
After topping the table last weekend, McDermott's men are now second on goal difference to Linfield following the Blues' victory away to another of the title contenders, Cliftonville, on Monday night.
Just three points separate the top five.
Confirmed - the champions @OfficialBlues back on top of #DanskeBankPrem after 2-1 win @cliftonvillefc. @Glentoran now 2nd - top three all have 50 points. Dramatic title race wide open. pic.twitter.com/w6tQO6yOE0
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 13, 2020
Danske Bank Premiership fixtures
Saturday January 18, 3pm -
Ballymena United vs Glenavon
Carrick Rangers vs Cliftonville
Crusaders vs Larne
Institute vs Glentoran
Linfield vs Dungannon Swifts
Warrenpoint Town vs Coleraine