Blayney completes Linfield switch

Alan Blayney turned down a new contract offer from Ballymena

Goalkeeper Alan Blayney has signed a three-year contract with Linfield.

Blayney was previously on the books of Southampton and spent last season in the Irish League with Ballymena United.

The 27-year-old replaces Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Alan Mannus who hopes to sign for a team in England or Scotland during the summer.

Mannus is keen to make a move to full-time professional football and believes the fact that he is out of contract may encourage interest from clubs.

"It is certainly not a case of wanting to leave Linfield," Mannus told the Linfield FC website.

"I have been very happy here for 11 years and I have supported the club since I was young and will continue to do so.

"I feel I may have a chance of playing in England or Scotland and at my age, this may be my last opportunity.

"Clubs across the water will not pay a transfer fee for an Irish League goalkeeper when they can get an English or Scottish keeper for free who also has experience playing over there.

"That is the reason I have let my contract run out and why I didn't sign a new one. It was nothing to do with money.

"I realise I am taking a risk as I could end up with nothing, but I feel it is a risk I have to take."