Dean Shiels has boosted his firepower at Coleraine ahead of their Irish Cup sixth round clash with Dungannon Swifts with the signing of striker Declan McManus from The New Saints.

The Scottish striker, who has also played for Greenock Morton, Ross County and Falkirk, was the top goalscorer in the Welsh Premier for two seasons, netting 24 goals in 2021/22 and 29 times in 2022/23.

The 30-year-old also netted in The New Saints' 2-0 win over Astana in the group stages of this season's UEFA Conference League as they created history this season by becoming the first side playing in the Welsh league system to qualify for the group or league stage of any European competition.

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Shiels is thrilled to add the proven goal scorer to his squad, as he follows Ronan Doherty, Levi Ives and Patrick Burns to The Showgrounds during the January transfer window.

“He’s a player I know well and we played together at Dunfermline," he said.

“I know his qualities and what he can offer. First of all, he’s a good person, he’s a good lad off the pitch, has a great attitude and he will fit in well with the group.

“Secondly, he’s a good player and his goalscoring record in the last few years have been unbelievable.

“If we are going to be successful moving forward, we need a big squad and competition for places.

“Declan is a pure goalscorer and they are worth their weight in gold.”

McManus joined TNS in June 2021 and guided the club to three successive Welsh Premier titles, as well as two victories in the Welsh Cup and one Welsh League Cup triumph.

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