Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter has bolstered his attacking options ahead of next season with the capture of former TNS striker Dean Ebbe.

Ebbe, whose previous clubs include Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Shamrock Rovers, is the Shore Road club’s first major signing of the summer window.

The Dubliner, who spent last season on loan at Bala, played for The New Saints against Glentoran in the Europa Conference League last summer.

Read more: New boy from Glentoran: Mick McDermott and Paul Millar made me feel wanted

He started in a 1-1 draw at the BetMcLean Oval and came on as a substitute in a 2-0 win for the Welsh side in the second leg at Park Hall in Oswestry.

The versatile striker, who can play as a striker or on either flank, scored 41 goals in 101 appearances for TNS and a prolific 11 in 13 games for Bala last season.

Ebbe is the first summer arrival to the Crues who lost versatile defender Aidan Wilson to Glentoran eight days ago.

The 27-year-old is also the first signing since the North Belfast club received a major investment from a consortium which includes Liverpool legend Ian Rush.

Read more: Glentoran new boy Harry Murphy is eager to ditch the ‘one for the future’ tag after Oval move

Read more: The former Cliftonville winger on his Irish League highlights and plans for the future

Subscribe to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox.