BALLYMENA United have signed former Manchester City defender Chris Ramsey on a short-term deal.

The Antrim born 19-year-old returns to the province after three years at the Eastlands club and has signed a three month deal at Warden Street which will take him up until the new year.

A member of the the successful Northern Ireland Elite Milk Cup side in the summer, Chris had been on trial at a number of English League clubs recently including Grimsby Town.

He will provide defensive cover for Roy Walker as he can play either in the centre of defence or at right-back if necessary. and is expected to go straight into the panel for tomorrow night's trip to Solitude for the League clash against Cliftonville.

* In other news, United will be returning to Solitude again in the coming weeks after the County Antrim Shield semi-final against Crusaders has been arranged for the North Belfast venue on the 20th October.

It will be a 7.30 kick-off and admission will be £9 for adults and £6 for concessions with the decision as to which end United supporters will occupy yet to be made.