Former Celt Paul George is off to Australia to join Ballarat Red Devils who play in the Western State League.
The 22-year-old finished last season with Cliftonville but has decided to revive his career by heading down under to join the club based north west of Melbourne.
George said: “So glad to have signed for a team across the other side of the world. Been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long time.
“Finding the right place and manager who believes in you is hard at times. Going away with one thing on your mind with no distractions feels good and gives me a chance to put my head down and work hard.
“Leaving family and friends and loved ones is the hard part but can’t pass an opportunity like this.”
George played for Celtic in a friendly against AZ Alkmaar as a 16-year-old and made one competitive appearance, away to Ross County in the League Cup in September 2011.
His Celtic career was effectively ended by a brutal attack from Lewis MacLeod during a 3-0 Development League win over Rangers (IL) at Murray Park.
Loan spells at Hamilton and Dunfermline failed to work out before he returned to Ireland to try his luck with Cliftonville.
George’s best spell at Celtic came in the 2010/11 season when he excelled in the Next Gen Series which included home and away wins over Manchester City.
Playing as an attacking midfielder in a side that included Callum McGregor, John Herron, Jackson Irvine and Tony Watt he scored twice as Celtic enjoyed a convincing 4-2 win away to City.
