Portadown have announced the signing of former West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Ben Pierce.
The 21-year-old left the Hawthorns last summer and has previously had spells with Redditch, Everton Under 18s and Manchester United Youth.
The 6ft 3' shot-stopper arrives at Shamrock Park with the club sitting top of the Bluefin Sport Championship.
Pierce comes in following the recent departure of highly-rated keeper Bobby Edwards who returned to the United States.
Manager Matthew Tipton brought in Danny Devine from Armagh City in a permanent deal last month.
And now Pierce has been added to the Ports' squad as they target promotion back to the Premiership.
Tipton told the club's website: “This deal is one that’s been a bit different as we thought all business had been done with the transfer window closing last week.
"However, Aidan's injury hasn’t cleared up as we had hoped so our attention the last few days has turned to out of contract pros that we could sign.
"I must give Dave all the credit for this move for Ben. Endless hours spent searching internet databases and contacting goalkeeper coaches both here and in England led us to Ben.
"Once we received Ben's CV and then subsequent footage it was clear to us that Ben has tremendous ability and will fit in with our style, system and philosophies.
"Ben has a glittering array of clubs on his cv already and everyone we spoke to sent glowing reports on him. Ben himself has been a credit so far in getting the move on track and has shown tremendous maturity already.
"He trained with us last night and settled in brilliantly. The biggest factor was the race to try to get everything completed and Ben eligible to play tomorrow.
"Thankfully that’s all in place so I can officially welcome Ben to the club and hopefully we can share successes together as a whole club and community.”
