Glenavon sign highly-rated striker Josh Doyle from Bluebell United

Josh Doyle signed his first professional deal with Glenavon after leaving Bluebell United.

Doyle joins Glenavon having previously played with Shamrock Rovers’ underage set-up, and has scored 22 goals in his previous ten games for Bluebell. Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)

Danske Bank Premiership side Glenavon have signed highly-rated Bluebell United forward Josh Doyle ahead of the final four months of their campaign.

The 18-year-old links up with the Mourneview Park outfit who have also confirmed that they have signed central defender Lee McNulty from Dergview in the wake of Daniel Larmour’s move to Crusaders.

Doyle joins Glenavon having previously played with Shamrock Rovers’ underage set-up, and has scored 22 goals in his previous ten games for Bluebell.

He is the third player to join Glenavon from the Leinster Senior League as both Craig Hyland and Gareth McCaffrey joined from St Mochta’s.

However, the forward has not played competitive football since the autumn, and Glenavon boss Gary Hamilton has noted that patience is required before both Doyle and McNulty can get off the ground running.

“These players are going to make mistakes and they aren’t going to be sharp,” he said. “I’d plead with our fans to give them patience.

“It’s not like when we’ve signed players like Steo Donnelly – these guys are coming in, they’re not fit, they’re not sharp and it’s not like we can wave a magic wand to make them match fit or give them game time.

“One thing is for sure though; they’ve all got pedigree and talent. The game time is the one thing that they are lacking in.”

Larmour’s departure was also confirmed as he made his move to Crusaders official this evening.

"I am so glad we have got a young player who can really go on and make a big career for himself and become a legend of this football club,” Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter said after completing the signing of Larmour.



“The sky is the limit for him, and he is a super player. We have watched him for a good number of years, and we know his quality and ability and we hope he can do very well.”

Meanwhile, Cliftonville have also confirmed the acquisition of Kris Lowe from Dungannon Swifts.

Lowe joins the Reds having made 228 appearances for the Swifts. He scored 13 goals during that spell at the club.