Derry City defender Ben Doherty joins Glenavon on loan

Northern Ireland under-21 defender Ben Doherty has joined Glenavon on loan from Derry City until the end of January.

The Derry native had been a mainstay in Kenny Shiels' Candystripes side but has been pushed down the pecking order despite playing across defence and midfield.

21-year-old Doherty will seek regular gametime in Lurgan and the Candystripes will retain the option to recall him earlier if required.

Doherty, who is the son of former Derry City player Eamon Doherty, moved to the Brandywell from Institute in 2015.

“Ben is keen to play regularly which is understandable,” Shiels told the Derry City website.

“Going to Glenavon will afford him the chance to do that at a good standard and obviously we’ll be monitoring his progress there.”

Glenavon boss Gary Hamilton added: “Ben wasn’t getting as much game time at Derry as he wanted and he wanted to get out on loan and experience something different.

“For his development it’ll be great as well because he’s coming down to a new league which he will have experience up until January.

“He’s somebody that will enhance the squad and stake a claim for a place in the team. We wouldn’t bring him to the club if we didn’t believe he could push for a place in the starting eleven.

“He’ll have to wait his turn as the boys are doing quite well at the minute but when his chance comes it’s up to him to keep his place.



“He’s another player that gives us versatility as well in terms of he can play left back, he can play centre midfield, he can play left wing and he’s played all three positions for Derry and Northern Ireland Under 21’s.

“It’s not as if we’re getting a young kid that hasn’t played much; he’s got good experience in the League of Ireland and playing International football for Northern Ireland.

“He’s young, he’s hungry and he has the qualities to keep his place in the team when he gets the chance.”

Doherty won't be available in time to face Newry City on Friday night as he awaits international clearance but should be free to face Ballymena United next week.