Glentoran last night claimed a victory over Linfield by beating their Belfast rivals to the signature of Andy Waterworth.

Blues boss David Jeffrey is unlikely to lose too much sleep over that though as he has recruited a striker of his own in much travelled Belfast man Paul Munster and Northern Ireland under-21 international Andrew Little’s arrival on a four-month loan deal is thought to be imminent.

Linfield’s hopes of signing Ballymena United striker Kevin Kelbie have also received a major boost.

The Belfast Telegraph has learned that Sky Blues boss Roy Walker has axed the Scottish hitman from his squad for today’s clash with Dungannon Swifts.

And that is expected to trigger a switch to Windsor Park before the summer transfer window slams shut on Monday.

Waterworth has signed a three-year deal with the Glens, just seven months after leaving Lisburn Distillery for Hamilton Academicals.

Glentoran manager Alan McDonald will now hope to have his new signing in the squad before Tuesday’s Setanta Sports Cup trip to Derry City — who were also keen to bring Waterworth to the Brandywell.