Crusaders January transfers
- Published
January signings: Jonny James (H&W Welders - end of loan), Cameron Bruce (Airdrieonians), Thomas Maguire (Dungannon Swifts - loan), Scot Rough (Stranraer)
January departures: Jarlath O'Rourke (Glentoran), Ross Clarke (Glentoran)
It was a strange window for Crusaders, who brought in some much-needed defensive reinforcements but lost two of their most experienced players.
Cameron Bruce and Scot Rough will likely come straight into the side while Thomas Maguire provides a different wide option and has looked lively since arriving from Dungannon Swifts.
They have however, lost captain and long-serving full-back Jarlath O'Rourke and fellow experienced winger Ross Clarke to Glentoran, leaving them with a very young squad.
They did manage to keep hold of star striker Fraser Bryden, the Irish Premiership's top goal scorer.
His goals will be key to their quest of pulling away from relegation trouble and he will be fit and firing for the run in after avoiding serious injury following a collision with the post against Larne.