CONOR Mitchell has joined Larne FC after the expiry of his contract at Burnley.

The Northern Ireland under 21 international's time at Turf Moor included loan spells at St Johntone and Linfield, where he finished last season.

Mitchell failed to register a senior appearance for Burnley.

"It's been a strange period for me, the first of my career where I was a free agent," the 23-year-old told the club's website.

"I knew I wasn't going to be at Burnley anymore and had a few options on the table, but spoke to Tiernan and was really drawn into this project – and the pull of full-time football was a big thing.

"I've seen what Larne are doing and it's great for the Irish League and great for the town. I'm buzzing to be a part of it.

"I've trained with the squad and felt like I fitted in right away, they're a great bunch.

"I have kept myself ticking over during the summer so I was wanted to be ready to get going once things were agreed."

Mitchell joins Conor Devlin in the goalkeeping ranks and it will see two former Northern Ireland under 21 internationals go head-to-head for the number one spot.

"I know Conor, so I know how good of a goalkeeper he is," added Mitchell.

"I think that sort of healthy competition is going to be great for the both of us.

"That sort of competition throughout the squad brings a desire from everyone and benefits the whole team."

Larne boss Tiernan Lynch is understandably delighted with the addition of the former Claret.

"If we're to make this journey successful then we need to bring quality players to the club," Lynch said.

"We understand you can't bring everyone to the club at once, but it's about bringing about the right characters here.

"Conor is a top lad, in the short space of the time we've spent together it's clear that he's hungry and very ambitious.

"I'm maybe biased, but I feel we have two of the best keepers in the league at the club now.

"If you're going to have a successful season then that brings 40-50 games per season and if that's the case you need everyone in the squad playing their part."