Former Carlisle United midfielder Dylan McGeouch has signed for the NIFL Premiership club Ballymena United.
The 32-year-old had been without a club since being released by Carlisle at the end of last season.
He had been on the PFA scheme, whereby out-of-contract players are showcased for potential new employment.
Former Workington Reds manager Darren Edmondson had tried unsuccessfully to recruit him for the NPL Premier Division club.
McGeouch has a wealth of experience in the Scottish Premiership and League 1 and League 2 in England, as well as two senior caps for Scotland.
Having played for Celtic, Aberdeen, Sunderland and Forest Green, he was also an important part of Hibs’ Scottish Cup and Championship winning sides. Most recently, the Scotsman was with Mark Hughes’ Carlisle United, but left in the summer and now joins United as a free agent.
Speaking to the Ballymena website McGeouch said: “The opportunity came up to talk to the guys behind the scenes here and I jumped at the chance to be able to come and help this squad and club going forward.
“Experience is something hopefully I can bring on and off the pitch. I’ve been at a lot of good clubs and still think I have a lot to give.
“One of the selling points was that the club have a lot to play for. We’re looking to compete and get into that top six, along with the cup competitions and it’s exciting times.”
Ballymena manager Jim Ervin added: “It’s well documented the injury list we have and it seems to be increasing week by week, so it’s great to get another body available to us, but it’s more about the experience he brings.
“He’s one we’ve been looking at for a number of weeks and he’s come in as a free agent so is able to play straight away.
“The desire Dylan showed when we started conversations struck me straight away.
“He could’ve held fire to see what came up in January, but he was happy with what we discussed with him. He’s a quality player and we’re looking forward to seeing him on the pitch.”
