MIDFIELDER Joe McDonnell has joined struggling Lisburn Distillery on loan until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old former Millwall trainee has been out of favour at the Showgrounds this season and has failed to make a single appearance this year.

McDonnell's last appearance for the United first team was back in November 2008 against Institute as he made only 14 appearances for the club during his 18 months at Warden Street.

He joined the club on a pre-contract agreement from Newry City in February 2008 whilst Tommy Wright was manager, but failed to impress manager Roy Walker during his first season in charge.

Ironically it was Tommy Wright, now in charge at Distillery, who came to Joe's rescue taking him to New Grosvenor Park on loan for the remainder of the season which will also take McDonnell up to the end of his Ballymena United contract.

Meanwhile, Reserve team defender Kyle Alexander has returned to Championship 2 side Dundela after failing to break through to the United first-team. Kyle joined the club in the summer from Dundela after spending pre-season on trial but his role as sports therapist to the Ulster Rugby side also hampered his progress.