Former Airdrie and Hamilton Accies defender joins East Kilbride in swap deal with Gartcairn

East Kilbride have strengthened their squad with the addition of defender Kieran MacDonald from Gartcairn.

The former Airdrie, Hamilton Accies and Raith Rovers left-back has arrived at K-Park in a swap deal plus fee for Ryan Lockie, who moves in the opposite direction after requesting to be placed on the transfer list last month.

It adds plenty of experience to the Kilby backline ahead of the busy festive period in the Lowland League and a SPFL Trust Trophy semi-final clash with Queen’s Park to come in January.

Kilby boss Mick Kennedy said: “Kieran is a great signing for us. He has gone one way and Ryan has gone the other.

“Kieran has lots of experience, playing for Raith Rovers, Edinburgh City and Hamilton Accies, and we are delighted to get it done.

“We tried to get him in the summer but we couldn’t compete with Gartcairn in any shape or form.

“But things have just not worked out for him there. He has not particularly enjoyed dropping down to that level and he has struggled with it, so he is looking forward to the challenge at the club.

“Ryan Lockie had asked to leave us so it was quite an easy deal to get done.”

MacDonald did not sign in time to make Saturday’s 2-0 win over Celtic B that put Kilby top of the table, but is was expected to make his debut in tonight’s clash at home to Broomhill.