Glentoran boss Mick McDermott has continued strengthening his squad in preparation for the new season with the signings of Danny Purkis and James Singleton.

Singleton makes the switch from Mourneview Park with whom the 26-year-old midfielder had spent his entire career up to this point.

“James is a player we have admired for the last few seasons. He is a winner, a very talented player and although he’s been playing centre midfield is a very versatile left sided player who will be a great asset to any squad at the upper end of the table," said McDermott.

"For someone just about to turn 27, he’s a vastly experienced player who’s been a key player in some very good Glenavon teams over the past decade.

James also has an excellent character and is exactly the type of person we want in our squad. He has a very professional attitude to his game, and we are confident he will play a key role at Glentoran over the next few seasons."

Meanwhile, Purkis arrives at the BetMcLean Oval after a spell with Amateur League side East Belfast, but prior to that he had spent around 18 months on Glenavon's books in addition to sometime with HW Welders. Before that Purkis had been with Glentoran and had knocked home important goals during his two years with the club.

McDermott was delighted to see the 27-year-old striker make his return: "We are very happy to get Danny to Glentoran. He is a proven goalscorer in the Premier League and is a handful for defenders every time he steps on the pitch," he told the official club site.

"Danny is a player who has worked hard at his game over the past few seasons, He has matured as a player, and we know he will definitely strengthen our team. An East Belfast lad coming home!"