DUNDALK-based striker, Paudie Hearty has signed a one year contract with Ballymena United.

Formerly with hometown club, Dundalk, 23-year-old Hearty has been playing intermediate football for the past number of years in the Republic of Ireland, and is Wright's second signing of the close-season.

He has played in two of United's pre-season games, scoring in his first against Portstewart and starting the second against Stranraer on Saturday.

Hearty arrived at the Showgrounds on a reccomendation from former-Dundalk team-mate Simon Kelly and will be panel in the panel for tonight's friendly against St. Johnstone at the Showgrounds.

Speaking to the Newsletter today, Wright believes the striker will be a positive asset to the club.

"Paudie can be a dangerous player, and has proven over our pre-season training and friendlies that he has an eye for goal."

"It might be a bit of a gamble bringing in a player from Intermediate football, but having seen him play I think he can do a job.

"It will add to the competition for places in attack, and I think he will be a good asset to have."