Cliftonville sign Northern Ireland under-21 defender Conor McDermott on loan from Derry City

Cliftonville have begun their summer recruitment with the signing of out-of-favour Derry City defender Conor McDermott on a six-month loan.

The Northern Ireland under-21 international will link up with the Reds as they begin their preparations for the Europa League qualifying campaign in July.

Paddy McLaughlin’s side sealed a place in Europe with a 2-0 extra-time win over Glenavon in the Europa League play-off final last month after finishing fifth.

21-year-old McDermott joins fellow Derry men Ryan Curran, Aaron Harkin, Niall Grace and Damien McNulty – who has been transfer-listed – in the Solitude dressing room.

The versatile defender came through the ranks at Derry and became a mainstay in Kenny Shiels’ side following his first-team breakthrough in 2016.

McDermott has struggled for gametime under new manager Declan Devine, however, making just six appearances in the first half of 2019.

“Cliftonville Football Club are very pleased to announce the loan signing of Conor McDermott from Derry City,” the club said in a statement.

“The 21-year-old defender is Paddy McLaughlin’s first close-season addition to the Reds’ squad and will soon link up with his new team-mates as preparations for the Europa League begin in earnest.”

Cliftonville have also confirmed the return of goalkeeper Declan Dunne from a loan spell with Portadown, while Aaron Donnelly has signed a new contract.

Jamie McGovern, meanwhile, has confirmed he will leave the club in the summer after seven years in north Belfast.