Former Crusaders winger Paul Heatley has signed for Irish Premiership club Carrick Rangers.

The 37-year-old picked up three Irish League winners' medals and was part of the Crusaders squad which won three Irish Cups during a 12-year spell with the north Belfast club which ended at the end of last season.

He made 486 appearances for the Seaview side, scoring 214 goals.

Having initially decided to retire at the end of the last campaign, Heatley returns to the club for whom he played for two years, before making the move to the Crues.

"I am delighted to come back to where it all started and hopefully see out my career here, which would be really special for me personally," said Heatley.

"The club were perseverant but respectful in their approach and they were very keen from the start for me to comer on board and return to where it all started - it's fantastic for me to be able to do that full loop."

Carrick manager Stuart King commented: "“Paul is a massive signing that I’m sure will excite everyone at the Club. We were in the market for a winger and Paul has been the best winger in the Irish League for the last ten years.

“I know a lot of clubs were chasing him after the news broke that he was reconsidering his retirement, so those from our club who worked really hard behind the scenes to make this happen deserve massive credit.

“He has trained with us already and really enjoyed it. He will add goals and excitement to our team and I know the squad will thrive off his arrival and raise their standards.”

Meanwhile Glenavon have confirmed the signing of 33-year-old midfielder Keith Ward.

Ward has spent 16 years in senior football around the League of Ireland, most recently at Shelbourne.