CRAIG McClean has finally completed his move to Carling IFA Premiership rivals Dungannon Swifts.

The 24-year-old full-back has signed a two-year deal with the Stangmore Park club after spending the last four seasons at Ballymena.

Craig was one of former-manager Tommy Wright's first signings upon arriving at the club in May 2005 from Ballyclare Comrades. McClean had spent a year with his hometown club after returning from Nottingham Forest where he had spent a few years in full-time football.

Despite being shortlisted for the Ulster Young Footballer of the Year in 2006, his form dipped considerably and he endured a nightmare season last year after spending long periods out injured with a foot injury and then losing his place to Player of the Year, Lee Colligan.

In total he made 112 appearances for the club, but never managed to find the back of the net in his four seasons at Warden Street. There is also a gentleman's agreement in place that McClean will not play for Dungannon Swifts in Saturday's Premiership clash.

McClean is the eleventh summer departure from the Ballymena Showgrounds, an indication of the massive overhaul manager Roy Walker has untaken since the end of last season as only three transfer listed players remain at the club; Albert Watson, Joe McDonnell and Mark Picking with the latter in currently in talks with a few clubs regarding a move.

Also outgoing on a less permanent basis is 19-year-old midfielder George Young who has joined Championship One side Ballymoney United for the remainder of the season.

Young made his first-team breakthrough in January and made a handful of appearances last term, however with first team opportunities limited Walker has arranged for the Galgorm based lad to gain some invaluable experience playing competitive football and remains part of the manager's plans for the future.

'Napper' made his debut for his new side in their 4-0 County Antrim Shield defeat to Glentoran last night at the Oval.

Meanwhile Walker may look to send some other young fringe players out on loan for Irish League experience.