Len O'Sullivan has returned to the Irish Premiership after signing a short-term contract with Ballymena United. The former Glenavon left-back provides immediate cover for a position hit by injuries ahead of Saturday's league fixture against Crusaders at the Showgrounds. The team, sitting eighth in the Premiership with 12 points from a record of three wins, three draws and four losses, will look to close a 16-point gap to the leaders.
Oran Kearney, the Ballymena manager, confirmed the move was necessary due to a shortage of options. "It's well documented we've had issues with injuries in the left back position and with Shane McEleney moving on, it freed up the space to bring in Len," Kearney said. The manager added that O'Sullivan's readiness was key.
The 25-year-old defender made 47 Premiership appearances for Glenavon across an impressive 18-month spell at Mourneview Park before moving to Scotland. He played 26 times in the Scottish second tier for Ross County last season, making 34 appearances in total before his exit was confirmed in September. O'Sullivan had been training with League of Ireland side Cork City but has now committed to Ballymena, where he will wear the number 25 shirt. His career began in his native Republic of Ireland with spells at Wexford and Bray Wanderers, and he also trained with Crystal Palace prior to joining Glenavon.
The signing addresses a specific squad issue. First-choice left-back Matthew Clarke and Micheál Glynn are both dealing with injury problems. The departure of Shane McEleney, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent earlier this week, created the necessary space in the squad for a new arrival. O'Sullivan's familiarity with the league means he can slot in without a lengthy adaptation period.
O'Sullivan could make his debut in a key home match. Ballymena United, currently eighth in the Premiership with 12 points from 10 games, host sixth-placed Crusaders on Saturday. The Braidmen's recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws and one loss in their last five outings, culminating in a 3-2 defeat away to Limavady United last Friday where goals from J. Archer and F. Thorndike were not enough. This followed a 1-0 win at Cliftonville, a 2-0 victory over Portadown, and draws with Dungannon Swifts and Carrick Rangers. The last meeting between these sides in August saw Crusaders win 2-1. O'Sullivan's arrival bolsters defensive options for a team that has scored 15 and conceded 14 goals this season.
This story first appeared at newsletter.co.uk
