Rangers snap up McDowell and Bell

Centre-forward McDowell has been snapped up from the mid-Ulster club with the Lakeview Park outfit having openly declared last month that they didn’t have the money to pay wages. Bell, an experienced defender, is a former Republic of Ireland international schoolboy. He will be a welcome addition to the to an injury-hit backline with Ciaran Boyd and Liam Hogan side-lined.

While McDowell is cup-tied Bell was available to make his debut at Taylor’s Avenue for Wednesday night’s fifth-round JJB Sports Irish Cup replay against Shankill United.

“I’m very pleased to have secured Paul’s signature, thus bolstering our strike force as we bid to consolidate our title challenge. That’s the specific reason because he is, unfortunately, ineligible for the remaining cup competitions in which we are involved,” explained Rangers supremo Small.

“Paul is a proven quality performer at Championship level, most notably with Bangor, and I am quietly confident he would be amongst the best strikers in the country even at Premiership level.

“I know some people will believe we were already well catered for up front, but both Nathan McConnell and Stephen O’Neill are yet to come back into the squad after lengthy injury spells,” insisted the Carrick manager.

Small also confirmed he has no interest re-signing forward Davy Larmour who was released by Larne at the weekend.

“He left us because he decided he wanted to try something else and opted for Larne, who offered him much more than we felt he was worth – even though we felt we had given him a good deal. But we certainly didn’t think it right that we should try to match their offer.

“I can understand their decision to let him go at a time when all clubs are pressed for cash,” reasoned Small, who can’t wait to get his team back into action.

“With the Irish Cup replay against Shankill United on Wednesday, following our draw first time out, followed just three days later by the third attempt to play the Intermediate Cup game against Dromara Village on Saturday, it’s pretty much a sign of things to come because I feel we’ll probably have two games a week throughout February as we try to catch up with postponements.

“That weekend tie is now going to be played at Taylor’s Avenue because of the competition rule which states that the home venue advantage switches to the opposition if the other club cannot host the game on two scheduled occasions,” added the Rangers boss.