WINGER Mark Picking has extended his loan stay Championship 1 side Ards for the remainder of the season.

34-year-old Picking joined the County Down side on loan in August having fallen out of favour at the Showgrounds, and has been a regular in Tommy Kincaid's side this season with 5 goals in 18 games.

The Shankhill Road veteran had spells with Ballyclare Comrades, Coleraine and Linfield before signing for Ballymena United in June 2006; he made 88 appearances and scored 11 goals in three seasons at Warden Street.

This extension will almost certainly spell the end to Mark's association with Ballymena United, as his contract is due to expire this coming summer - however he will be returning to the Braid in the near future as United have drawn his Ards side in the Fifth Round of the Irish Cup - although Picking will be inelligble for the tie.

One player returning to the Showgrounds though is Galgorm based midfielder George Young, who has completed a five month loan spell at Ballymoney United.

George broke into the first-team last Christmas but was sent out to the Championship side to gain valuable experience and scored three goals during his time with Joe McCall's side.