Harps sign McCafferty and Friel

Finn Harps manager, Paul Hegarty, has made his first signings of the July transfer window by welcoming Neil McCafferty and Austin Friel to Finn Park.

McCafferty signs from English Football Conference side Grays Athletic while Austin Friel arrives from Irish League side Dungannon Swifts.

Derry born Neil McCafferty started his senior footballing career with Charlton Athletic in England and spent five years at the Valley, without making a breakthrough to the first-team.

During his time with Charlton he had loan spells with Cambridge United and Rushden & Diamonds and also signed for a full season for the latter club after his release from Charlton.

He returned to his home town and played for two years with Derry City before being released at the end of the 2007 season, spent six months with Grays Athletic in the first half of 2008 before signing for Harps.

Austin Friel is no stranger to Finn Harps and was a member of the club's Youth team and Ulster Senior League winning squad of 1999 where he scored more than his fair share of goals.

Since then he has played nearly all his football in the Irish League with a host of clubs including Omagh Town, Newry City, Ballymena United, Limavady United and most recently Dungannon Swifts.

Subject to International clearance being received, both players are expected to be included in the squad for Sunday night's eircom League of Ireland Premier Division fixture against St. Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park.