United back in pre-season action this Thursday

The Sky Blues face two games on Thursday night, with a panel comprised of mainly Belfast-based players facing Championship One Bangor at Clandeboye Park (7.30pm), while a squad of more locally-based players will travel to Ballymena & Provincial Intermediate League side Desertmartin (7.30pm).

“The boys have been training really well since we reported back for pre-season,” assistant manager Lee Doherty told Times sport.

“Everybody has been very focused and we are very pleased at the condition that most of the players came back in.”

Among those looking to impress will be former Coleraine and Linfield defender Kyle McVey, who is training with United following his release by the Blues.

“Kyle hasn’t got a club at present and had contacted Glenn (Ferguson) to ask if he could train with Ballymena in order to get himself fit.

“The centre of defence is an area of the team that we have been looking to get another player in so if he impresses, he may have the chance to earn himself a deal,” added Doherty.

Harryville Homers midfielder Darren Campbell, the current Saturday Morning League Player of the Year, is also training with Ballymena, who have also spoken to former Linfield and Glenavon midfielder Brian McCaul.