Raith Rovers deal turned down by East Kilbride youngster

East Kilbride youngster Kai Montagu has turned down an offer from Championship side Raith Rovers and Kilby boss Mick Kennedy is keen to keep him at Kilby for the forthcoming season.

The midfielder stepped up from the club's under-20s development team last season, training with the first team and making four appearances in the Lowland League as Kilby won the title. He also played in the club's pyramid play-off final defeat to Stranraer.

His displays this season had caught the eye at Stark's Park and although the Kirkcaldy club offered him a deal to swap Lanarkshire for Fife, Kai has decided to turn it down and now Kennedy hopes the talented teen will stick around at Kilby.

Boss Mick Kennedy told Lanarkshire Live Sport : "There was definitely an offer on the table from Raith and it looks like Kai has decided not to accept that and, after speaking to his family, another year at East Kilbride is maybe better for his development.

"He is still a young kid, so I don't think the Raith thing is going to happen. After speaking to him, there's been opportunities that have arisen that he is not particularly keen on.

"There is more chance of him staying now and we are hoping to sort that out this week and, hopefully, hold on to him for another year at least."

Kennedy admits he is sure Kai's time will come, but that the Lowland League club provide a good platform for young players before they take the lead to a higher level.

He added: "We say to players all the time. The environment we work in is extremely professional and extremely intense so it is perfectly set up to develop young people.

"I don't think there is any doubt the kid will move into full-time football at some point. He has the attributes and he is really talented so