Glentoran Football Club are delighted to confirm the season-long loan signing of 21-year-old defender Ethan Schilte-Brown from Kilmarnock, subject to the necessary clearance.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Schilte-Brown came through the youth system at MLS side Orlando City before moving to Scotland and joining Kilmarnock’s academy.

The 6ft 3in centre-back gained valuable senior experience during loan spells with Cumnock Juniors, Albion Rovers and Dumbarton before establishing himself in the Kilmarnock first-team squad.

Schilte-Brown enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Rugby Park last season, making 18 Scottish Premiership appearances and being named Kilmarnock’s Young Player of the Year for 2025/26.

He has featured once more in the Premiership this season, taking his league appearance tally for Killie to 19.

A Canada youth international, Schilte-Brown is already familiar with his new surroundings, having featured for Kilmarnock in their pre-season fixture against Glentoran at The BetMcLean Oval in July.

Speaking after completing his move, Ethan Schilte-Brown said: “This is a big opportunity for me and one which I am relishing. I am determined to make the most of my time here.

“It’s a massive football club with a fantastic history and, after speaking with Declan, Paddy and Paul, I knew straight away that it was the right move for me.

“Those conversations made it clear just how ambitious everyone at the Club is and how much they want to achieve. As a player, that’s exactly the kind of environment you want to be part of.

“You want to be competing at the top end of the table, challenging for trophies and playing in big games, and that was a major attraction for me.

“I understand what this football club means to its supporters and the expectations that come with wearing the shirt. I can’t wait to get started, play in front of the fans at The Oval and, hopefully, create some great memories together this season.”

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “Strengthening the heart of our defence was one of our priorities this summer and we did a great bit of business bringing in Zeno Rossi earlier in the window.

“The addition of Ethan not only gives us greater depth in that area but adds real quality as well. He has all the attributes we were looking for. He’s strong, athletic and composed on the ball and has made a number of first-team appearances for Kilmarnock while also gaining valuable experience out on loan.

“Ethan has a real physical presence and enjoys the defensive side of the game. I believe he has all the attributes to be a real success in the Irish League.

“We have strong competition throughout the squad, but it’s important that we continue to add quality in key areas. Ethan gives us exactly that and I believe he can become a very important player for us over the coming months.”

Schilte-Brown becomes Glentoran’s fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of defender Zeno Rossi, midfielder Greg Sloggett and wingers Rhys Walsh and Lekan Sule as Declan Devine continues to strengthen his squad during the opening weeks of the 2026/27 campaign.

Paul Millar, Glentoran Sporting Director, said: “There were certain areas of the squad we targeted to strengthen this summer, with the centre of our defence being one of them.

“As always, though, it wasn’t just about signing anyone. It was about bringing in the right player for this football club. They obviously have to have quality, but they also need the right character to play for Glentoran, and Ethan has both in abundance.

“He is someone we have been aware of for some time and, when the opportunity arose to bring him in, we jumped at it.

“Ethan has already gained valuable experience out on loan in Scotland and there was interest from other clubs there in taking him this season.

“But he showed a real desire to come to The BetMcLean Oval and that was a big selling point for us. We want players here who are fully committed to this club and to representing our supporters.

“Ethan is excited by the move and that is really pleasing to see. We’re delighted to get the deal completed and believe he will be a really strong addition to the squad.”