Last updated on .From the section Football

Liam Boyce has been in prolific form for Cliftonville in recent seasons

Cliftonville striker Liam Boyce has agreed to join Ross County after signing a pre-contract agreement with the Scottish Premiership club.

The Irish Premiership champions said earlier this week that they had withdrawn a contract offer to the Northern Ireland striker.

A Cliftonville statement said requests by manager Tommy Breslin to hold talks with Boyce had been "rebuffed".

Boyce held talks with the Scottish club this week and has now agreed the move.

The four-times capped Northern Ireland striker will fulfil his ambition of a switch to full-time football with his move to the Staggies.

"We have been tracking Liam's progress for a while now and are delighted to have completed his signing," commented Ross County chairman Derek Adams.

"Liam had opportunities in Scotland and England but after visiting us last week has chosen to join Ross County.

"He is a proven goal-scorer and has recently been called up again to the full (Northern Ireland) international team."

The forward, the Irish League's player of the year in 2012/13, was also reported to be the subject of interest from fellow Irish Premiership club Linfield and League of Ireland sides Derry City and Shamrock Rovers.

Boyce has formed a formidable partnership with strike partner Joe Gormley in recent years as Cliftonville have landed back-to-back Irish Premiership titles and his loss will be a major blow to the north Belfast outfit.

The 23-year-old was recently called up to the Northern Ireland squad for the friendly internationals against Uruguay and Chile in South America.

Boyce, who scored 21 goals in 38 Cliftonville appearances last season, was enjoying his second spell with the Reds which followed a one-year stint at German club Werder Bremen.