Elgin sign MacDonald in time for Alloa tie

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ELGIN City have completed the signing of former Caley Thistle reserve striker Ally MacDonald in time for tonight’s League Cup tie at Alloa.

The 18-year-old played 16 minutes as a trialist in Saturday’s 3-0 Third Division defeat against Stenhousemuir, but did enough to persuade manager Robbie Williamson he is ready for first-team foot- ball.

MacDonald was a promising member of the Inverness reserve team until a back injury cut short his season. He is working his way back to full fitness.

Elgin utility player and assistant manager Kenny Gilbert said: “Ally only joined us at training last week, so he still has a way to go until he is fully fit and match sharp.

“Because we are working with a small squad he has been pushed into action sooner than we might have expected, but he has coped well. With David Niven and Martin Charlesworth injured, it is great to have another signing in place.

“Ally should be a great find for us.”

Gilbert, who was red carded in Saturday’s league game, is available for tonight’s cup tie.

Alloa manager Allan Maitland admits his side must climb quickly off the canvas and land a knockout blow against Elgin.

The Wasps were soundly beaten 4-1 in their Second Division opener at Arbroath on Saturday and are out to swiftly banish the memory.

Elgin have quickly been rooted to the foot of the Third Division after a 3-0 loss at Stenhousemuir and Maitland wants to make sure it's his side who bounces back from disappointment at Recreation Park.

Brown Ferguson, Dougie Wilson and Fraser Forrest remain on the Alloa injured list.