Kyle McClelland says he was sold on a move to Coleraine after speaking to Dean Shiels as defender agrees a season-long loan at The Showgrounds

The 22-year-old has agreed terms on a season-long loan at The Showgrounds from Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.

McClelland came through the youth ranks at Rangers before signing a three-year deal at rivals Hibs in June 2022.

The central defender would then enjoy loan spells at Cove Rangers and Queen of the South, where he was named as the club’s Player of the Year at the latter.

Kyle McClelland has joined Coleraine on a season-long loan from Hibernian

He has also been capped at various under-age levels by Northern Ireland.

“This is a big step in my career, I think this move is going to make me a better man overall and give me as much experience as I can get,” he said.

"I had a good phone call with the gaffer, everything he told me about the club and their expectations and where he wanted the club to go.

"Everything he said was a big part of why I wanted to come here. Just buzzing to get started to be honest with you.”

Head Coach, Dean Shiels, also shared his excitement about the new signing. “We are very pleased to welcome Kyle to the club.

“For his age, he seems to be well above his years. In and out of possession he’s very comfortable. He came through the academy system at Rangers, his coaches speak really highly of him.

"Hibernian were delighted to get him and signed him on a long-term deal. I want to thank David Gray, the head coach at Hibs for being so accommodating with this loan of Kyle. I think he’s going to thrive with his quality.”

McClelland joins Cameron Stewart in arriving at the Coleraine Showgrounds this summer, with the News Letter understanding that the Bannsiders wish to bring former striker Kirk McLaughlin back to the Ballycastle Road.

McLaughlin made his Irish League bow with the club in the 2021-22 campaign before moving to The Oval, where he has enjoyed subsequent loan spells at Loughgall and Institute.

A total of 14 players have departed Coleraine this summer as the club aim to implement a full-time model for the upcoming season.