Playr-Fit Championship side Dergview have announced the appointment of Emmet Friars as their new manager.

The 38-year-old comes in as the permanent replacement for Tommy Canning who stepped down from the post last month, and interim boss Ivan Sproule - although Sproule will remain in charge of team affairs for Friday's league visit to Ballyclare Comrades.

Friars brings with him a wealth of playing experience, having collected seven caps for Northern Ireland at Under-21 levels and being on the books of a number of clubs, amongst them Derry City, Ballymena United, Dungannon Swifts, Portadown, Ballinamallard United, Crusaders and Ards.

On a coaching level, the former defender possesses an UEFA A Licence and had been looking after Ballinamallard United U20s as well as assisting first team coach Harry McConkey.