GLENS GAFFER STRENGTHENS
Duocanhelpkeepsideclimbingthetable
Rutherglen Glencairn have boosted their squad for their West of Scotland First Division survival bid with a double signing this week.
Boss Willie Harvey has added defender Dom McLaughlin from the club’s under-21 side and midfielder Matthew Gear after a successful trial period.
A Glens statement read: “We are pleased to confirm reinforcements to the first team squad with the signing of central defender Dominic McLaughlin and midfielder Matthew Gear.
“Dom is the latest player to step up from our Under 21s squad which has been a rich source of players for the first team now for over a decade.
“Dom joined our U21s squad in the summer and was such an immediate standout that he has been promoted to the first team squad after only half a season
“Despite still being only 21 years old, Dom also has experience from playing first team football in the Lowland League with both East Kilbride and Cumbernauld Colts. Dom played in central defence in Saturday’s 5-1 win over Thorniewood United alongside Anthony Maguire who also stepped up from our Under 21s at the start of this season.
“Matt joins the club after a successful trial spell, having previously played for Pollok United and a short spell last season at Rossvale.
“Matt has started two matches for the first team so far, with five substitute appearances.
“We would like to extend a warm welcome to both players.”
Meanwhile, Glens boss Harvey has told his side to go on a run that can take them right up the West of Scotland League First Division.
Saturday’s 5-1 win over Thorniewood saw Glens leap over their visitors into 13th place, a point behind Bonnyton Thistle, but with five games in hand.
He said: “We’ve got two league games coming up now before we hit the cup trails again, so ideally if we can get another six points on the table it can put us into a more respectable position.
“If we can get our cup form into the league then we’ll certainly do okay and that was the case on Saturday.
“You look at where we are and people are thinking ‘you’re not doing well’ but we’ve only lost three league games all season.
“The draws have crucified us and it has been our own doing – that’s the annoying thing.
“We need to go on a good, long run in the league. We know that, and it needs to start right now.”