Carrick Rangers snap up Loughgall goalscorer Nedas Maciulaitis
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Loughgall star Nedas Maciulaitis has joined Carrick Rangers on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
The Lithuanian-born forward has scored 12 goals in 27 appearances for the Championship league leaders. The 23-year-old has previously enjoyed a stint in the Premiership with Coleraine, was named NIFWA Championship Player of the Month award for September.
A delighted Maciulaitis said: “I am buzzing to come on board. I want to get stuck in and help the team push up the table by bringing some goals. Stuart King really convinced me that I would have a great opportunity here to continue my career in the Premiership.
“My previous spell in the top flight with Coleraine didn’t work out as I would’ve wanted, but that was a good experience as it humbled me. From there I had to move down a level and got my chance with Loughgall where I did well and now, I am really looking forward to getting started at Carrick.”
Manager Stuart King said: “Nedas is a brilliant signing for us. We have been on the lookout for a centre-forward and I believe he is the best there is outside the Premiership. He’s a young, strong lad with massive potential. He wants to do well and everything he has said to me in our conversations was exactly what I wanted to hear. He’s at the right age now to come and play in the Premiership. I think when he played in the top flight previously he was too young but now he’s at the right age to hit the ground running.
“There were four other Premiership sides chasing his signature, so for us to get him over the line is a big statement as it shows the calibre and quality of player we can attract and that wants to come to us. He wants to keep improving and kick-on in the Premiership which matches our own ambitions as a club so hopefully that can be achieved together.”
Maciulaitis departure is a blow for Loughgall, who lead the Lough 41 Championship on goal difference, just ahead of local rivals Annagh United.
