NORTHERN Irish midfielder Sammy Clingan has been snapped up by Kilmarnock ahead of Friday's transfer window deadline.

The 29-year-old was unveiled by boss Kenny Shiels and should help fill the void left by Liam Kelly, who joined Championship strugglers Bristol City earlier this month.

He joins ahead of tonight's Clydesdale Bank SPL game at Celtic Park although it it not clear if he is match fit and will feature.

The former Coventry City skipper has signed an 18-month-deal after leaving Doncaster Rovers where he had only played half a dozen games this season.

He was a team-mate of Hoops manager Neil Lennon at Nottingham Forest six years ago and is looking forward to renewing acquaintance although insists the friendship will be put on the back burner for the SPL game, which has a 7.45pm kick-off.

He said: "I haven't seen him (Lennon) for a couple of years so it will be good to catch up. We always got on really well.

"The move has happened really quickly. Kenny (Shiels), who I've known from when he took coaching sessions at Middlesborough and through the Northern Ireland set up as hwell, called me when I finished at Doncaster and asked what my situation was. And here I am.

"I know Kenny's son Dean and have a lot of riends from the Northern Ireland set up playing in the SPL."