Saints snap up goalie

Jul 12 2012 by Stuart Gillespie, Galloway News

Jim McCrossan

JIM MCCROSSAN feels he has two of the best goalkeepers in the South of Scotland League after signing Jack Johnston.

The young shot-stopper has arrived from Abbey Vale on an 18-month contract and will provide competition for Shaun Hutchison.

And, with St Cuthberts gaffer McCrossan hoping to land a midfield player this week, his squad is almost complete.

He said: “We’re happy to get another quality goalkeeper

“Shaun’s in the top four or five keepers in the league and Jack’s in the top four or five as well.

“It’s competition for Shaun’s place. It’s no different from any other position in that it needs competition.

“He’s got a good reputation and attitude. Shaun’s in possession of the jersey just now and we’ll see how it goes.”

The St Mary’s Park chief added: “Ben Irving has signed an 18-month deal and Raymond Gordon is the only one from last year still to sign. Hopefully he will and hopefully we’ll add another midfielder.

“I think we’re happy enough with what we’ve got now, although if an exceptional player came along we’d have to look at him.”

Saints play their first friendly against Morton Thistle on Saturday and will be hoping to have Craig Rudd available after the striker suffered an injury scare at training on Monday night.

However, a few other players are missing longer term and will miss the Scottish Cup preliminary round tie at Keith on August 4.

McCrossan said: “We’re still trying to get to the bottom of Paul McClymont’s injury, which is a blow as we have a hectic start to the season with the league and the preliminary round.

“Liam Muir had his knee operation and is maybe a month from light training and it’ll be a couple of months before he can twist and turn. Alan McClymont also has work commitments at the moment.”

Meanwhile, work is continuing off the pitch at Kirkcudbright with some redecorating of the kitchen and refurbishment of the old committee room.

It is hoped these won’t be for the long-term with plans drawn up for a much bigger redevelopment of the ground.