With the 24-year-old registered just ahead of the transfer window closing at midnight on Tuesday, he is available for selection for this Saturday’s Danske Bank Premiership contest against Coleraine.
Formerly of Sirroco Works, Shields has served as an understudy at Seaview in recent times and made two league appearances for Stephen Baxter’s men towards the end of last season.
Following Aaron Hogg’s injury just before half-time in Tuesday’s game against Warrenpoint Town, ‘Gers boss Stuart King moved quickly to ensure he retained a strong goalkeeping department by adding Shields to his ranks.
Pleased to be coming on loan to the Loughshore Hotel Arena, Neil Shields commented,
“I am very pleased to be here and I look forward to trying to get my place in the team for the upcoming games. The move came around at the last minute but after speaking to Stuart I was excited to come here and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
On adding to his goalkeeping department, Stuart King added,
“I am absolutely delighted to get Neil in, especially given that it all happened so late on Tuesday night. My thanks have to go to Stephen Baxter and Crusaders for their cooperation in this loan deal; we needed a ‘keeper in after Aaron Hogg picked up an injury on Tuesday and this move gives us that while also offering Neil the chance of getting game time.”
A warm welcome to the ‘Gers, Neil! #AmberArmy