Striker Ukek joins Larne from Portadown

Irish Premiership champions Larne have announced the signing of forward Josh Ukek following the expiry of his contract at Portadown.

Ukek made 61 appearances for the Ports and scored 15 goals during his two campaigns at Shamrock Park.

The Inver Reds are aiming to build on last year's success when they lifted the Gibson Cup for the third time in the past four seasons.

This news follows the announcement that prolific striker Andy Ryan had left Larne to return to Scotland.

"Ever since I spoke with Gary Haveron, I knew this would be my destination," Ukek said following the announcement.

"Larne are the champions, the best team in the country, they've had so much success over the last few years and my mind was set when I spoke to Gary.

"The professionalism of Larne, how Gary spoke to me and expressed how he feels my qualities can help Larne all went together to make this the move I wanted to make."

This off season is the first summer that Larne native Haveron has been in charge as permanent manager and it has already been a busy period with club captain Cian Bolger, Ryan Nolan, Kobei Moore and Jack Hastings all leaving the club.

Haveron said Ukek must "make the most of the opportunity" as he makes the move to the Antrim coast.

"Josh is a player who has caused us problems any time we've faced him," Haveron said.

"He's a big, quick, powerful lad and he gives us a different option to what we have in the building at the minute.

"He was busting for the opportunity to make the move into full-time football, we're very pleased that's with us and now it's up to him to make the most of that opportunity."