Derg add new signings ahead of Ards clash

DERGVIEW have swooped with two major signings ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ards at Darragh Park.

The Darragh Park outfit have signed former Charlton Athletic and Derry City player Mikhail Kennedy and teenager Niall Fielding who had been at neighbours Institute.

Kennedy, a former Northern Ireland youth international, officially retired from football last year on medical advice following two operations to repair a ruptured cruciate injury. However he has since been told that he can play again and after getting the all clear just three weeks ago, Canning has swooped to sign a player of genuine quality.

Kennedy played for half an hour in a friendly against Letterkenny Rovers on Tuesday evening and the Dergview boss liked what he saw.

The striker hasn’t played competitive football in two years and Canning admits it’ll take him a number of weeks to get up to speed in terms of match fitness.

“Mikhail has been in the pipeline for five or six weeks,” confirmed Canning.

“He has pedigree and quality but it might be January before we see the best of him. But if we do, then we’ll have a serious player on our hands.

“It gives us more options up front and more competition at the top end of the pitch which is no bad thing. If it works out this move could be good for him and good for us.”

Canning has also snapped up versatile teenager Fielding.

The defender-midfielder is someone the Derg boss has had his eye for some time and he believes Fielding is a player with great potential.

“He’s a young player with great potential. He can play left-back, left centre back or left side of midfield. I watched him when I was at Finn Harps under-19s and he was someone who caught my eye,” said the Derg chief.

“We need to mindful that he’s only a young boy. Again we’ll need to be patient with him. We’ll have to allow him to realise his potential. If we can do that then again it’ll be well worth it.”