The News Saints have finalised another signing with the addition of experienced Irish striker Kurtis Byrne from Linfield in the Danske Bank Premiership.

Byrne joins TNS after just months with the Northern Irish club where he moved from Dundalk in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

The 28-year-old Dublin-born striker began his youth career in England, with Norwich City, before moving north of the border to Scotland.

Permanent contracts at Hibernian and Ross County were combined with loan deals at East Fife, Alloa Athletic and Brechin City before moving home and joining Dundalk.

Byrne brings experience of goals in the UEFA Champions League and has plenty of experience across both Irish leagues.

“I’m delighted to get it done and I’m excited for the season to start," he told the club. "I trained today with the lads for the first time and it was good to get back into it."

Manager Scott Ruscoe was delighted with what may prove to be the final piece of the transfer jigsaw.

“We are pleased to sign Kurtis and see it as an exciting signing to strengthen our squad,"" he said.

"He brings experience, has played several times in European competition already, scoring some vital goals. His signing brings competition in that area and this will improve us for the season ahead.”

Meanwhile, Saints's first phase fixtures for the 2018/19 Welsh Premier League season have been revealed and Ruscoe's men will begin the defence of their title at Park Hall against Barry Town United on Saturday, August 11.

Six days later they travel to Connah's Quay Nomads before hosting Carmarthen Town at Park Hall on August 25.

Then it's two newly-promoted sides in the space of three games as Aberystwyth Town's trip to Park Hall sandwiches away games as Caernarfon Town and Llanelli Town respectively.

Cefn Druids will provide the festive opposition as they head to Park Hall on Boxing Day and then vice-versa on New Year's Day.