Ryan McConnell joins Ballinamallard United on permanent basis

Finn Harps have confirmed the departure of defender Ryan McConnell to Irish Premier League side Ballinamallard on a permanent basis.

The Donegal native joined the Manchester United academy in 2012 and would go onto captain their Under 21 side, receiving call ups for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s, before leaving to join Harps in November 2015.

The 21-year-old made just one substitute appearance for Ollie Horgan’s side in the 2016 season before leaving on loan to the Fermanagh outfit where he would go on to make 25 appearances, scoring once in a 2-1 home defeat to Linfield back in August.

McConnell joins former Harps teammate Richard Brush who signed earlier this month and is eligible for The Mallards in their next league fixture away to Glentoran.

Ballinamallard currently sit tenth in the table, nine points clear of the relegation zone after 26 games.

Defender @mcconnellryan95 has turned his initial loan spell into a permanent transfer, signing for 18 months from Finn Harps. pic.twitter.com/T93r2xKiMJ

— Ballinamallard Utd (@Ballinamallard) January 25, 2017