Portadown have completed the signing of midfielder Sam Warde from Galway United.
Warde has agreed an 18-month deal with the Shamrock Park side.
The 21-year-old was previously on the books of Huddersfield Town where he featured for the club's U18 and U21 squads.
Warde was one of three Academy scholars in his year who were offered a first professional contract by Huddersfield.
The central midfielder - a Republic of Ireland youth international - also had spells with English League Two side Colchester United and League of Ireland clubs Sligo Rovers and Galway United.
"I’m delighted to get Sam into the club. He comes with a very good pedigree after starting his career at Huddersfield before a year at Colchester & the last few years playing for Sligo & Galway," Ports boss Matthew Tipton told the club's website.
"Sam is someone we had seen playing a couple of years ago and kept tabs on."
Tipton added: "Sam is predominantly a defensive midfielder who breaks up the play superbly & adds to that with a great range of passing."
Warde added: "I’m very happy, excited to be moving up and can’t wait to get started.
"I am a technical player, and like to get on the ball and pass it around and hopefully get a few goals too."
