Rovers have confirmed the permanent signing of midfielder Brad Lyons.

The 21-year-old joined Rovers on loan from Coleraine in August and has now put pen-to-paper on an 18-month deal through to June 2020.

The Northern Irishman has impressed for Damien Johnson’s Under-23s side, scoring three times in 13 appearances, including a brace in a 4-0 win at Arsenal last month.

Lyons made over 100 appearances for Coleraine after progressing through their youth ranks, scoring 19 times, and has trained with the first team since joining Rovers in September.

It is expected that Lyons will be allowed to leave the club on loan to further his development, with his former boss at Coleraine, Oran Kearney, looking to take him to his new club, St Mirren.

Speaking to Coleraine’s official website, Lyons said: "If it wasn't for the Coleraine team, fans and staff, I wouldn't be where I am today as they kept driving me on. I will always love the club and I plan to get to as many games as I can when I'm back home.

"There have been so many unforgettable moments during my time with the club. Making my debut, fighting for the league and playing in Europe have been unforgettable. However winning the Irish Cup tops the lot and will live with me for the rest of my life."