Cowden in striker deals

Graeme Brown has been a a regular scorer with Cowdenbeath

Cowdenbeath have sold striker Graeme Brown to Ayr and used the cash to secure Dene Shields from Brechin on a permanent basis.

Shields was on loan at Central Park, where he is top scorer this season.

Reports suggest that Ayr paid Cowden £5,000 for Brown, despite offers of £10,000 from Berwick and Queen of the South being rejected in the summer.

But he will not make his debut against Falkirk in the Scottish Cup on Saturday as he is cup-tied.

Shields has agreed terms for a two-and-a-half year contract and Cowden chairman Gordon McDougall told his club's website that it was a good deal for the Fifers.

"Everyone at Central Park will be sad to see Graeme go, but we would never deny him the chance of playing at a higher level and I wish him and Ayr United every success," he said.

"Of course, we also had to take into consideration the fact that Graeme would leave us for nothing in three months' time.

"But this move suited Graeme and, at the same time, gave us the finance to buy an exciting young prospect in Dene Shields and secure him on a lengthy contract."

Shields, who was with Sunderland as a teenager before moving to Raith Rovers, has proved a big hit with the Blue Brazil fans after netting nine times in 18 games, while Brown has hit a more lean spell.

Dene Shields started his career with Sunderland

However, 23-year-old Brown had become a favourite with Cowden support after scoring 62 goals from 235 appearances since signing from Broomhall Saints six years ago.

He now has the chance to prove himself in the First Division as Cowden attempt to resurrect their promotion challenge in Division Three.

Manager Keith Wright said, "It is just a pity he didn't get a chance to say farewell to our fans on Saturday, but Ayr understandably didn't want to delay the move and risk their new signing.

"I am obviously delighted that the fee has been put right back into the squad and Dene has already proved to be a good player for us.

"I also expect to sign up an amateur striker who could be an interesting acquisition once we get his fitness levels up."

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