One striker in one striker out at Dergview

SEAN McCarron has returned to Dergview Football Club following a short spell at Dungannon Swifts.

McCarron moved to Swifts from Dergview during the summer after playing a starring role in the Castlederg side’s Irish Cup run last season.

However, due to limited game-time and difficulties around travel, the last few months have proved testing for the Derry man and current manager Tommy Canning moved quickly to bring the striker back to Darragh Park.

McCarron, who was first signed by Canning’s predecessor Ivan Sproule, is one of five new signings completed by Canning in the January transfer window.

Also joining the Derg ranks are midfielder Corey McLaughlin, a product of the Derry City Academy, midfielder Oran Brogan from Institute, young goalkeeper Patrick McGarvey from Finn Harps and 26-year-old defender Dean Curran who has played most of his football in the Inishowen League.

The new recruits will plug some of the gaps left by the departure of Benny Igiehon to ARds and Adam Buchanan to Killen Rangers.

Canning is hoping that all the relevant paper work will be completed this week ahead of Saturday’s clash against Institute at Darragh Park.

“I’m delighted to get the new players in. People at Dergview don’t need telling what Sean McCarron has to offer although in terms of match fitness he’s still got work to do,” said the Derg boss.

“Sean had a number of other options but has decided to return to Dergview, which in itself says something.

“I’m hoping to blood the new boys in during the remainder of the season. We’ll get a good look at them and see what they are about. They all come highly recommended.”

This weekend’s opponents Stute recorded an impressive 2-1 victory over Ballyclare Comrades last time out and Canning knows his team faces yet another tough challenge.

“To be honest that win against Ballyclare didn’t come as a huge surprise to me,” he continued.

“Results last weekend has created a wee bit of a gap between us and the teams below us so that’s obviously good.

“That means Saturday is another big game for us and the players will know that playing Institute brings it’s own challenges.”