Keeper Deane is keen to impress at Rangers

The teenager, who has represented Northern Ireland at Under-19 level, arrived at Taylor’s Avenue earlier this month and says he is looking forward to developing his game with the Championship 1 title hopefuls.

“I need to get out and play matches and gain more experience. To come to a club like Carrick, which will hopefully be pushing for promotion to the Premiership, means I can hopefully kick on now and do a job for them,” he said.

The 19-year-old, regarded as a real prospect at Windsor, has already impressed both Gers fans and his new team-mates.

Deane, who had a spell with Queens Park Rangers before making the switch to the Blues in 2012, is confident his adopted club have what it takes to mount a serious challenge to make a return to the top-flight.

“We have more than enough (in the squad). I think we showed against Coagh, beating them 6-1, that we definitely do have a bit about us and if we can get more determined, we can hopefully do the job.”

And he sees his switch to East Antrim as an important part of his own development as a player and wants to use the experience in the Championship as a stepping stone to bigger and better things with his parent club.

“I spoke with David Jeffrey and he wanted me to come to a high-pressure club pushing for promotion. That’s what we expect at Linfield, to always be under pressure. So, I think coming to Carrick is a good move for me.

“The lads have been brilliant. They have looked after me from day one ... and I have adapted with them very quickly. I knew Aidan O’Kane and Damien Curran from their Linfield days, and all the rest of the boys have been first-class.”

Earlier this month, Windsor boss Jeffrey told the club’s website: “Gareth will go there knowing he’s got to produce. He’s going as a Linfield goalkeeper with a great reputation and all that goes with it but now this is where he has very much got to grab this opportunity.”