Raith Rovers sign East Kilbride midfielder after improved offer sparks U-turn

East Kilbride youngster Kai Montagu has signed for Raith Rovers after the Kirkcaldy club came back in with an improved offer for the midfielder yesterday.

Earlier this week, Kilby gaffer Mick Kennedy revealed the 17-year-old had turned down an offer from Rovers and he was hoping to keep him at K-Park for at least another year to continue his development.

However, the Championship club were persistant and finally got their target, with Montagu penning a two-year professional contract at Stark's Park to become the second young talent from East Kilbride to land a big move, following Dylan MacDonald's switch to Airdrieonians last week.

Kennedy admits it is a big step up for the teenager but he was never going to encourage him to turn down such a huge opportunity.

Kennedy told Lanarkshire Live Sport : "It came out of nowhere yesterday. We spoke to Kai and he said he'd refused the deal, then he phoned me back on Friday morning to say Raith had sent an improved offer and he wanted to accept it.

"We were never going to stand in his way so we were like 'go for it' - it is a big move for the kid.

"I think he has got a wee bit to go before he is at first team level, just in terms of consistency, but he is an extremely talented kid. We play against Celtic and Hearts B teams in the Lowland League and he is as good as anything in there, in my opinion, so he is more than capable."

A statement from Raith Rovers read: "Welcome Kai Montagu. Seventeen-year-old Kai joins us on a two-year deal from East Kilbride. The energetic and skilful young midfielder is a hugely exciting prospect for the future and we’re delighted to offer him his first professional contract."

With Montagu and MacDonald moving on, it is fantastic exposure for East