East Kilbride boss hails Motherwell goalkeeper's return as Reegan Mimnaugh debut provides boost

East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy has hailed the return of Motherwell goalkeeper Matty Connelly on a short-term loan.

The 21-year-old, who had a spell on loan at K-Park last season, is back to help out the Lowland League champions with shot-stopper Chris Truesdale still sidelined with a broken bone in his foot.

Connelly made his debut in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Cowdenbeath in the league and Kennedy admits he could look at extending the deal beyond 2024.

He said: “Goalkeeping for us is such a key position because the way we dominate the ball and try to play from the back, we need someone who is good with the ball at their feet. It takes a bit of getting used to but, having had Matty in before, we know what he can do.

“Chris Truesdale is coming back from injury right now so getting Matty in will give him competition when he gets back into the squad around Christmastime.

“He is a great kid Matty. He is highly rated at Motherwell and I rate him highly as well, so we are fortunate to have him.

“He wasn’t very busy on Saturday but for goalkeepers playing for us, it is often more about concentration levels rather than being really busy across 90 minutes. Hopefully he can have a positive six months and we can review it from there.”

Meanwhile, the return of midfielder Reegan Mimnaugh from injury will feel like a new signing for Kilby.

Since joining from League One side Queen of the South in the summer, the 22-year-old former Hamilton Accies man hasn’t kicked a ball, but he made his EK debut on Saturday with a late cameo at Central Park.

Kennedy said: “Anybody who is aware of Reegan, knows his qualities as a player. He was just unfortunate to pick up a bad injury at Queen of the South last season when he was flying.

“We are