Cliftonville boss Paddy McLaughlin delighted to secure "special talent" on a new contract

Cliftonville boss Paddy McLaughlin has hailed Jamie McDonagh as a “special talent” after tying the influential winger to a new long term contract.

McDonagh, who was a revelation in his debut season at Solitude after joining the Reds from Glentoran last year, has committed his future to the North Belfast club until 2025.

The 26-year-old, who has also played for the likes of Derry City and Morton, scored seven goals and contributed a remarkable 27 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions last season.

Rangers veteran Steven Davis hailed for turning "groans" into plaudits after seaside cameo

Several of his strikes can be described as 'worldies' with a stunning volley in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Ballymena United in January recently voted the club’s goal of the season.

Boss McLaughlin said: “We knew we were bringing in a special talent when we first signed Jamie and he showed his quality from the first minute he came in the door.

“He is a player who gets supporters up off their seats and he must be a dream for any striker to play alongside.

“As well as all the assists, he’s also chipped in with a fair few goals of his own, most of which have been pretty spectacular.

“Extending his stay at the club is a great bit of business for us and here’s hoping he can be even bigger and better for us in the future.”

McDonagh is up and running for the new season having provided the cross for Ronan Hale’s goal in a recent away tie with FC DAC of Slovakia in the Europa Conference League.

It has been a productive summer transfer window so far for Cliftonville with no fewer than six new arrivals and four players putting pen-to-paper on contract extensions.

Former Larne striker Hale, on-loan Brighton goalkeeper Fynn Talley, ex-Bohemians