Former Wolves and Plymouth goalkeeper handed first choice challenge at East Kilbride

East Kilbride goalkeeper Jack Ruddy has been challenged to show he can be a regular No.1 after being an understudy for much of his career so far.

The 24-year-old, who was previously on the books at Wolves, joins following a spell with West of Scotland Football League Premier Division side Darvel last season.

Previous clubs also include Ross County, Plymouth, Oldham, Leganes in Spain and Linfield in Northern Ireland.

And apart from a handful of games for Ayr United in 2018, Ruddy has spent most of his time on the bench and failed to feature.

So having arrived at K-Park to replace last season's first choice Conor Brennan, who has joined League Two Stenhousemuir, Kilby gaffer Rutkiewicz says now is the time for Ruddy to show what he is capable of.

"This is a big season for Jack in that he now needs to be a number one," said Rutkiewicz of the former Scotland youth player.

"He's got a CV that would strangle a lot of keepers but he needs to play more games.

"He has probably sacrificed that for being at a higher level and bigger clubs, but I think he's at an age now that he is looking forward to the challenge of playing games of football and, ultimately, it will be up to him to prove that he's good enough.

"It's something we've been working on and we are delighted to get his signing over the line.

"We are happy it's done and the team is almost there now for next season."

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