Shay McCartan impressed by ambitious Portadown as he makes Shamrock Park switch

Portadown have pulled off a major transfer coup as they completed a swoop for former Northern Ireland international Shay McCartan. The ambition shown by the Ports to bring in a player of the calibre of McCartan following his departure from Glentoran is one of the reason why the 30-year-old decided to make the move to Shamrock Park.

Following their return to the top flight after wining the Championship last season Portadown have been linked with a number of high-profile additions. Boss Niall Currie spoke last week of his desire to return the club to the 'top table' after penning a new deal with the club.

And that message has not been lost on McCartan, who was clearly impressed with what he heard during negotiations. "When I met Niall he told me about the plans on and off the pitch at the club and it’s something that I want to be a part of," McCartan told the club website.

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"The success the club has had this year and the level of support this club has makes me want to come and be a part of it. I’m really looking forward to getting started and enjoying my football again."

While McCartan's big-money move to Glentoran may not have worked out as he would have liked Currie believes the player still has a lot of quality years ahead of him. The Ports boss has been a long-time admirer of the former Bradford City man and he believes the supporters will follow suit.

"I saw Shay first at close quarters when I was manager of Carrick Rangers and to me I saw the best player in his position in the league," said Currie. "I’m sure he’ll admit his move to Glentoran didn’t work out the way he would of hoped but to me he’s coming into his prime years and we have a wonderful opportunity to get him back to his very best which excites all of us.

"Massive thank you to our board as Shay was in demand but we were able to convince him of our ambitions. Our supporters will love this guy, that I have no doubt about."

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