Liam Burt, once a highly-rated prospect in the Rangers youth system, has signed a two-year deal with Glentoran, marking the next step in his career.
The 26-year-old midfielder, who also has the option of a third season with the Northern Irish club, arrives after leaving Shamrock Rovers by mutual consent.
Burt’s rise through the ranks at Ibrox was watched closely by many. After joining Rangers as a fresh faced teenager, he made his senior debut for the club during a Scottish Championship clash against Raith Rovers in March 2016 at just 17 years old, quickly earning attention as a promising young talent.
Loan spells at Dumbarton and Alloa Athletic in the Scottish lower leagues followed as he gained first-team experience, but it was his shock move to Celtic that marked the next chapter of his career.
Despite signing a two-year deal with the Hoops after being released by Rangers in the summer of 2019, Burt struggled to break into the senior team and later moved to the League of Ireland to further his career.
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Since 2021, Burt has been making an impact in the League of Ireland, playing for Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers, where he won two league titles.
His time at Shamrock Rovers was particularly successful, as he helped secure the 2023 League of Ireland title. He also played a key role during his loan spell at Shelbourne last season, making 35 appearances and guiding the team to a historic league triumph.
Now, Burt is ready for a fresh challenge with Glentoran, bringing his experience and determination to the Oval.
"I'm absolutely delighted to sign for Glentoran - one of the biggest clubs in Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland," he said.
"I’ve played for big clubs in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, so I know the expectation, pressure and responsibility that come with that and I enjoy that challenge.
“When I spoke to Declan [Devine] about his plans for the squad and the club’s ambitions, his passion and love for Glentoran really stood out – and that sold it for me. He and Paul Millar made a brilliant pitch, and I knew straight away it was the right move.
“I’ve done my homework on Glentoran and have been hugely impressed by the progress the club has made over the past year. Declan and his staff have reshaped the squad and built strong foundations for long-term success. The ambition here matches my own – I’ve come to win trophies and achieve as much as I possibly can.
“Even though the season isn’t over yet, I’m already itching for pre-season. I want to contribute, make an impact and help Glentoran push for major honours. I can’t wait to pull on the shirt and show the fans what I’m all about.”
Glentoran’s manager, Declan Devine, who previously worked with Burt at Bohemians, is thrilled to have him onboard.
"I'm absolutely delighted to bring Liam to Glentoran. I only had a brief opportunity to work with him when I first took over at Bohemians, but even in that short time, I was hugely impressed by his talent, attitude and footballing intelligence," Devine said.
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“Since then, I’ve followed his progress closely. He won the league with Shamrock Rovers and then played a major role in Shelbourne’s title-winning campaign.
"He’s a winner and that mentality, combined with his natural ability, really stood out to me. He’ll add a completely different dimension to our midfield – he’s creative, versatile and a real attacking threat.
“This signing is a real statement of intent from the club and from our owner, Ali Pour, as we continue building for next season and beyond. It shows we are targeting the very best players available and Liam is undoubtedly one of the finest midfield talents to have played in the League of Ireland in recent years."
