Athlone Town have snapped up former Barbados international Eric Lavine after the veteran striker was released by Galway United for disciplinary reasons.

The one-time Longford Town player goes straight into Michael O'Connor's squad for the home game against Limerick on Saturday.

"He is a great player, who has been successful in Ireland," said O'Connor. "It's good that he has decided to come to a club like Athlone.
 
"Everyone is saying that he had problems at Galway or whatever, but all I know is that I've signed a very good player. You'll always be in the market to sign a good player.
 
"He will travel up every week with Robbie Forde, and he starts training tomorrow night, and will be in the squad for Saturday night."

Galway's board of directors decided to release Lavine 10 days ago following an internal disciplinary process.

Club chairman John Fallon said: "This is regrettable but we must not lose sight of our primary objective which is getting Galway United back into the top flight of Irish football."

Finn Harps, meanwhile, look set to name the same team that drew with Shamrock Rovers last week for tomorrow's clash with Dundalk at Oriel Park.

Manager Anthony Gorman has no injury concerns and expects Sean Cooney, who has missed five games on the bounce, to return to fitness shortly.

"We certainly could have got three points (against Rovers)," said the manager. "Apart from Dundalk and Monaghan, we've played every team in the league, and there's a confidence about the players now they know what they're against."