PAUL Muir has made a late move back to Lisburn Distillery following his release from his contract at United.

The 34-year-old defender returned to the Showgrounds after almost a decade last January, but has struggled with persistent injuries over the last year.

A Ballymena native, Paul made his debut at the Showgrounds in April 1995 at the age of 19, spend four full seasons at United before being sold to Crusaders in December 1999. After a short spell playing in New Zealand, he joined Lisburn Distillery in July 2003.

It was at Ballyskeagh where Paul established himself as a top Irish League defender making 202 appearances and scoring 15 goals in six seasons as the Whites competed at the top end of the table.

Former Distillery boss Paul Kirk allowed Muir to rejoin his hometown club last year, but a succession of injuries meant that he only made 16 appearances in his second spell at the Braid, scoring four goals.

Paul's contract at Ballymena United was mutually terminated on Saturday afternoon and he decided to return to Lisburn with former United manager Tommy Wright.

A popular figure around the Showgrounds, the club would like to wish Paul Muir the best of luck for the future.

* Reserve team midfielder Ryan Deans has joined Championship 1 side Carrick Rangers on loan for the remainder of the season.

Deans broke into the first-team last season, making 13 appearances and scoring once but has struggled this term and despite being on the bench a number of times - he has failed to make a single appearance this season.