Glentoran Football Club have completed the signing of right midfielder Ross Clarke from Crusaders for an undisclosed fee.

The 32-year-old has put pen to paper on a contract with the club after agreeing personal terms and successfully completing a medical.

Clarke arrives at the BetMcLean Oval with a wealth of Irish League and European experience, having made 331 senior appearances in all competitions and registering 44 goals across spells with Crusaders, Linfield and a loan spell with Ards.

Since joining Crusaders, the Kircubbin native has established himself as one of the league’s most reliable right-sided midfielders, amassing 257 appearances for the Seaview club and contributing 34 goals.

He is also a three-time Irish Cup winner with Crusaders and has delivered goals in major finals, scoring in the showpiece occasions against Ballinamallard United (2018/19) and Ballymena United (2022/23).

Clarke has also gained European experience in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and UEFA Conference League.

This season, Clarke has featured 13 times in all competitions for the Crues, contributing one goal and two assists.

Speaking after completing his move to Glentoran, Ross Clarke said: “The opportunity to play full-time was one I couldn’t turn down. Glentoran is a massive club with big expectations and you can see immediately the standards and professionalism around the place.

“It’s a club with a real history and I’m proud to be pulling on the Glentoran jersey. I’ll give everything I’ve got to make a success of my time here and do my bit for the team.

“I’ve spoken with Declan since everything was completed and the way they outlined where the club is going really impressed me. You can see the passion and determination to bring success here and I wanted to be part of that.

“I’ve also spoken to Daniel, Jordan and Jarlaith and they’ve said nothing but good things about the group here and the standards the lads set every day. I’m really looking forward to getting in, meeting everyone properly and getting started.”

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “Ross is a player we’ve come up against many times and he’s always given us a hard time in matches. He’s a right-sided midfielder with real quality, intelligence and end product and he has consistently delivered at this level for a long time.

“He was clear from the start that he wanted to come and play for Glentoran and be part of what we’re trying to deliver here. He’s ambitious, he’s driven and he’s desperate to come in and contribute.

“We were keen to strengthen the wide areas and Ross gives us a brilliant option on that right side. He’s the type of player who can put real quality into the box, while also giving us that creative spark in the final third.

“We’re delighted to bring Ross to Glentoran and I’m confident he’ll make a real difference for us in the second half of the season. We’ve a lot to play for.”

Ross Clarke is the latest addition to arrive at the BetMcLean Oval as Declan Devine continues to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window, completing a double Crusaders swoop this week.

Clarke follows the arrival of Jarlath O’Rourke from Seaview, as well as the recent additions of versatile attacking midfielder Jack Malone from Glenavon and 23-year-old forward Ben Gallagher.

There have also been a number of departures this month, with David Fisher, Jonny Russell and Shane McEleney leaving the BetMcLean Oval permanently, while Charlie Lindsay, Nathaniel Ferris, Callan Farley and Jude Johnson have all moved out on loan in search of regular first-team minutes.

Paul Millar, Glentoran Sporting Director, said: “Ross is the latest addition to come in and he adds real quality in an area of the squad we identified as needing strengthened. We wanted to improve our options in the wide areas and Ross gives us experience, depth and a real attacking threat down the right.

“He arrives with a proven record over a long period of time, he’s performed in big games and he’s gained valuable European experience. We’re delighted to get the deal completed and we believe he can make a real impact for us in the second half of the season.

“Once again, I would like to thank our owner, Ali Pour, for backing Declan and I as we continue to shape this squad for success this season and beyond.”