Former Rangers academy prospect Matty Yates has signed for Linfield.
The striker, 23, was a free agent after leaving Stenhousemuir this summer and had been interesting a number of clubs in Scotland.
However, he has headed for Belfast and the NIFL Premiership after signing a deal with the side managed by former Rangers star David Healy.
Linfield announced the signing this afternoon and wrote: "Linfield are delighted to announce the signing of 23-year-old Scottish striker Matt Yates, subject to international clearance Yates is a Rangers Academy graduate who most recently played in Scotland's League One with Stenhousemuir FC."
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Healy told his club's website: "Matt is a talented forward with proven experience in senior football at such a young age. He’s a natural goalscorer with the intelligence to link play and has shown the hunger to improve further. We believe he’ll be a strong addition to our attacking options this season.”
Yates started out in the academy at Rangers as a young player and played up the to the under-18s and B team.
He then moved to Hibs but did not remain there for long before being released and would eventually join Stranraer early in the 2020/21 season.
After two campaigns at Stair Park, he completed the switch to League Two rivals Stenhousemuir and that was where he became more prolific, scoring 17 goals in his first season. He helped Stenny to their first ever league title and promotion to League One.
There are strong links between Rangers and Linfield with the clubs often playing friendly matches and players such as Ross McCausland and Chris McKee moving between the sides.
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