Former Rangers striker hailed for giving Airdrie winger platform to succeed after Linfield spell

Airdrie's new signing Liam McStravick has thanked former Rangers striker David Healy for giving him his break in the game - and now he hopes to take the Scottish Championship by storm this season.

The 18-year-old Belfast boy joined the Diamonds on a permanent deal earlier this month from Northern Irish Premiership side Linfield, where he played for their under-18s before making the step up to the first team under Blues boss Healy.

McStravick signed his first professional contract in December last year but has now opted to hop across the water to pursue his career.

He has made a strong start, impressing during his debut at Dundee United and netting his first goal for the Diamonds with a stunning winner in the SPFL Trust Trophy third round triumph over Stirling University last week.

And while delighted to get the opportunity under another ex-Ranger in Airdrie boss Rhys McCabe, he has hailed Healy for helping him get to this stage.

McStravick said: "It was brilliant to join the Linfield first team at such a young age.

"David believed in me and gave me a platform to go and show what I can do, and that was pivotal in me getting the call up to the last 21's international camp.

"David told me that I was good enough to play in Scotland, and his parting comment to me was 'You have shown the Irish league what you can do, you have shown me what you can do, now go and show the Scottish league what you can do.

"He also said if I ever need anything or a different voice to call him.

"I will never forget what David did for me.

"Coming to Airdrie is a brilliant opportunity to play football at a higher level, and doing it in a team that is well known for playing great football, and most importantly playing football that suits my game.

"I