Dorrian adds two more new faces to Comrades’ ranks

They will be regarded as defensive replacements for Kyle Buckley and Andrew Doyle who are off to Carrick Rangers and Ards respectively.

McDermott, a 20-year-old left-back, has been on Glentoran’s books, operating mainly for the 2nd XI, but he has been known to the Comrades’ boss for a long time.

“I have always been impressed by Sandy, and I lost no time in snapping him up when he opted to leave the Oval,” said Dorrian.

Michael McQuitty, 27, formerly with Ballymena United Reserves, has been operating in the Ballymena Intermediate League recently.

“Michael is a former junior international and I have known him from my time at Ballymena,” added Dorrian. “He is a centre-back who will provide competition for places at the heart of the defence after the loss of Andrew Doyle.”

The pair’s arrival, following the signing of Stuart King, Curtis Dempster and JB Dobbin, restores parity to the Comrades squad witht five going through the exit door since the end of last season.

However, the manager says the squad is not yet complete, with several other irons still in the fire. He is also hopeful Ben Browne will commit himself to Dixon Park for another year.

Stephen Hughes continues as manager of the Reserves, who will be competing again in the Ballymena Junior League Division 1, but Mark Conn, Craig Todd, CJ McIlwaine, Dean McAllister and David McCullough have all been called up to the senior squad.

They will be aiming to emulate Joel Cooper, who has become a star in Championship 1 after graduating through the Comrades academy.