Soccer:Former Manchester United and Northern Ireland winger Keith Gillespie has signed for League of Ireland First Division side Longford Town until the end of the season.

The 36-year-old, capped 86 times for Northern Ireland, was released by English Conference side Darlington in December after just three games.

Aside from his time at Old Trafford, he also played for Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, Sheffield United, plus loan spells with Wigan Athletic and Charlton Athletic.

The Antrim native, who also played in midfield, then spent time with Bradford before returning home and play with Irish League side Glentoran in late 2009. In August last year he was released by the Belfast side before the short spell with Darlington.

Longford said the signing happened because the player "formed a friendship with the club’s board, through their mutual relationship with a sponsor".

Gillespie will be unveiled as a Longford player ahead of their next home game against Athlone Town on Friday week.