Coleraine boss Oran Kearney has boosted his attacking options with the Deadline Day capture of livewire Carrick Rangers forward Stewart Nixon.
The versatile 22-year-old joins the Bannsiders on a three-and-a-half year deal with teenage striker Alex Gawne heading in the opposite direction on a six month loan.
Kearney said: “It has taken a few days to get the deal over the line but we are pleased to sign Stewart on a three-and-a-half year deal.
“He is a player we have tracked for a long period of time and we feel he is at the right stage of his career to make the move.
“He’s had a tough apprenticeship coming through the Championship and he’s earned his stripes in the Premier League over the last year-and-a-half."
On Gawne, who scored the winner in Monday night's 1-0 win over Cliftonville, heading to Carrick on loan, Kearney said: “It's a chance for Alex to get valuable minutes and and match time."
Nixon, who joined Carrick from Ballyclare Comrades in 2018, has been a bright spark for Niall Currie's men this season and chipped in with five goals in all competitions.
The versatile forward scored his first senior hat-trick in a 3-0 league win over Warrenpoint Town earlier in the season and was also on target in 6-2 and 3-0 wins over Glenavon and Institute.
