Smith leads transfer moves

Andy Smith has been sent on loan to Ross County

Former Scotland B international striker Andy Smith has joined Ross County on loan as a signing merry-go-round engulfed Scotland's lower leagues.

Albion Rovers Celtic, Clyde, Livingston, Stenhousemuir, Forfar Athletic, Alloa Athletic, Elgin City, Arbroath, Ross County, Elgin City, Stenhousemuir, and Cowdenbeath have also been involved in transfer dealings.

However, one man not signing, for Ayr United at least, is former Dundee United, Nottingham Forest and Livingston midfielder Ray McKinnon.

Some newspapers suggested that the man Raith Rovers recently released, as they could not afford his wages, had now signed for Ayr's Gordon Dalziel, but the manager has insisted that the player is only training with the First Division club.

Creating chances

Smith, who won international recognition while with Dunfermline Athletic, has failed to establish himself since his move to Kilmarnock and has joined First Division County on a month's loan.

County assistant manager Gordon Chisholm said: "We feel we have been playing well, creating chances, but just not putting the ball away and he is the type of player who can upset opposition defences."

Third Division Albion Rovers have also gone to the Premier League to strengthen their squad, signing 19-year-old striker Paul Shields, who cost Celtic £100,000 from Raith Rovers last season, on a month's loan.

Albion manager John McVeigh said: "Paul was one of my players when we were at Raith Rovers and I know what he can do.

Bit of ability

"He is good at holding the ball up, has got a bit of power and a good bit of ability.

"I had a chat with Celtic manager Martin O'Neill about him and he believes that coming to us and getting first-team football will help the lad."

Second Division Stenhousemuir have also taken 20-year-old striker Gordon Smith on loan from First Division Livingston.

Paul Shields has joined Albion Rovers on loan

Manager Brian Fairley believes that his new signing, who was with Bolton Wanderers for two years, can make an immediate impact.

He said: "He's a big strong lad who can give us height and strength that perhaps we didn't have."

Former Ayr United and Ross County central defender Willie Furphy and forward Archie Craig, from local junior club Formartine, are on trial with Elgin City.

Manager Alex Caldwell was also speaking with Arbroath about signing defender Scott Peters but said: "That has been held up until their new manager has a chance of looking at his players."

Second Division Forfar Athletic were hoping to complete the signing of a defender on Friday night but were keeping his identity under wraps.

Having signed Dave Beaton from Alloa Athletic the previous week, they have, though, been in talks with another Recreation Park defender, Gerry Farrell, about a loan deal.

Third Division Cowdenbeath could have the two oldest goalkeepers in Scottish football on Saturday against Montrose following the broken arm received by back-up Ross Godfrey in training.

Transfer request

Regular first-team choice John Martin, who is in his forties, could be joined on the bench by 41-year-old John Lister, who retired last season after a senior career and then finally with Kelty Juniors.

Manager Craig Levein said; "I am talking to John and may bring him in on the bench as he has kept himself fit."

First Division Clyde have agreed to a transfer request from striker John Barratt and will listen to offers.

Meanwhile, Alloa Athletic's Terry Christie and East Stirlingshire's George Fairley admitted that they had failed in attempts to add to their squad this week.