Darren Fitzgerald and Dee Irvine have been told they are free to leave Ards during this month’s transfer window.

Due to on-going financial problems the talented duo can leave the north-Down club without a fee changing hands.

And there should be no shortage of takers.

Former Glentoran striker Fitzgerald has bagged 17 goals this season and was the club’s highest scoring player in the past decade.

Irvine, an attacking central midfielder with an eye for goal, may also prove to be too tempting for a top flight side to resist on a free transfer.

“Unfortunately, due to financial constraints most clubs are feeling, we have made both Darren Fitzgerald and Dee Irvine available to other clubs,” confirmed Ards boss Tommy Kincaid.

“There would be no transfer fee involved; it’s all about moving the players on.

“Money is tight and we haven’t had a home game for a while which makes it even worse.

“In an ideal world they are two players we would have liked to keep, but we are in a situation where we have to cut our cloth.”

Kincaid’s future could also be open to question in future months if the homeless club don’t improve their financial situation.