BALLYMENA United are delighted to welcome former Institute and Dungannon Swifts right-back Thomas Wray to the club.

The 23-year-old today signed a two-year contract with the Sky Blues as manager Tommy Wright moved early to strengthen his squad with the new season still some months away.

"I'm delighted to get him," said Tommy.

"I knew him from my time at Limavady and he ticks all the right boxes for us.

"He's only 23 but has loads of experience and has been a member of a Dungannon Swifts side that has two very successful years. He also has Inter-Toto and Setanta Cup experience as well as appearing in this season's Irish Cup final.

"And although he is a recognised right-back he can slot in equally as well as a centre-half and brings an extra dimension to our already adaptable defence."