St Mirren striker to become East Kilbride's 20th summer signing

East Kilbride are set to make their 20th summer signing this week with the capture of young St Mirren striker Aiden Gilmartin.

Kilby gaffer Mick Kennedy says an "unexpected opportunity" arose to sign the 18-year-old on loan from the Scottish Premiership side and the Lowland League outfit will bring him to K-Park in the next 24-48 hours.

Gilmartin is a graduate of the Paisley club's youth academy and spent the first part of last season on loan in the Lowland League with Cowdenbeath, where he scored five times, before being recalled by the Saints in January.

He signed a one-year contract extension with the Buddies in April, with Saints gaffer Stephen Robinson describing him as "big and strong with good pace."

Confirming the signing is set to go through, Kennedy said: "An unexpected opportunity arose to bring him in so we will probably get that done today or Tuesday.

"Aiden is a centre forward and comes highly recommended.

"He is at a stage now where he needs to be playing proper first team football.

"He has developed enough that he can be an asset at first team level.

"We looked at the loan market for something that wouldn't cost us a lot of money and it made sense to bring him in.

"It is a good opportunity for ourselves and Aiden, so we are delighted to get him in.

"Other than that, there will be no more movement now unless somebody goes out of the squad."

East Kilbride have made a strong start to the Lowland League, winning two and drawing one of their opening three games.

Gilmartin could be signed in time to feature against Celtic B in the first round of the SPFL Trust Trophy on Wednesday night.

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport onTwitter via@LanLiveSport, like us onFacebookor find us onInstagramfor the latest sports news,