Ballymena United have bolstered their midfield with the loan capture of talented Celtic teenager Ben Wylie until the end of the season.
Wylie, who recently penned a new deal with the Old Firm giants, completed the move on Monday and could make his debut against Warrenpoint Town on Tuesday night.
The 18-year-old, whose father Keith played for the Sky Blues in the 1990s, has played for Northern Ireland at U19 level and joined Celtic in 2018.
United boss David Jeffrey said: “Ben is a Ballymena lad and through our contacts we were made aware it may be possible for him to come home and spend some time here.
“There were other options available to him and plenty of interest from elsewhere, but he knows we will look after him and help him develop his game further.
“He has joined us in training and it’s clear he’s a superb young man and an outstanding talent, so to get someone of his ability onboard is fantastic.”
Jeffrey thanked Chris McCart, head of Celtic’s Youth Academy, and Wylie’s agent Brian Adair for helping get the deal across the line.
He added: “We trust Ben's time here will be mutually beneficial, that he will enjoy getting back into training and football and hopefully we can reap the benefits of that this season.”
Wylie, who hails from Ballymena but also played for Linfield Rangers before earning his move to Celtic, will wear squad number 28.
Ballymena, who lie fourth in the Danske Bank Premiership, travel to face Warrenpoint Town at Milltown on Tuesday night.
