Elgin City rounded off a busy week of transfer activity with four players heading for Highland League clubs.
The League Two side, who host Dumbarton at 2pm on Saturday, confirmed Dylan Lawrence and Aidan Cruickshank have joined Lossiemouth on loan for the remainder of the season.
Forward Lawrence, 20, made three starts and one substitute appearance in Viaplay Cup ties last summer before going on loan to Forres Mechanics in the early part of the season.
Attacker Cruickshank, 19, will build upon his experience at Lossie, having had loan stints last season in the same division with Strathspey Thistle, Nairn County and most recently Forres Mechanics.
Striker Ben Barron, 19, has also secured a loan move from the Moray side, joining Nairn County until the end of the term.
MacInnes makes permanent move
And ex-Caley Thistle midfielder Kenny MacInnes has moved on from Elgin, securing a permanent switch to Nairn after making 24 appearances for the Black and Whites since joining one year ago.
✍️We are delighted to have completed the signing of midfielder Kenny MacInnes from Elgin City 🤩 More here 👇https://t.co/wrBV5Y4g39
📸@cutter3110#ncfc #nairncounty #ItsaNairnThing pic.twitter.com/o6luv2T9ak
— Nairn County FC (@NairnCounty) January 26, 2024
The 20-year-old former Scotland schoolboys international captain was on loan at Station Park last term and has now made the permanent switch to his hometown club.
Busy window spell for manager Hale
It has been a productive window for manager Allan Hale as he bolsters the squad for their bid to stay within the fourth-tier.
Highly-rated Ross County winger Ryan McLeman, 19, who has made 23 appearances for Elgin this term, joined the club this week on a permanent 18-month deal.
As with striker Michael Dangana, Hale returned to his former club Huntly to sign full-back Lyall Booth, who penned a two-and-a-half-year deal.
Rising talent, forward Fin Allen, 19, this week agreed a new two-year contract and will gain further competitive experience at Huntly until the end of the season.
Cove Rangers midfielder Mark Gallagher, 22, came in from the League One side on a loan deal until May, as did ICT’s highly-rated 17-year-old midfielder Keith Bray.
A range of extended deals were also handed out to key players this month, with captain Matthew Cooper, keeper Olly Kelly, defenders Connall Ewan and Owen Cairns and midfield duo Brian Cameron and Rory McEwan all extending their stays.
Tomorrows match! ⚽️
REMINDER it’s a 2PM KO!! ⌚️
We look forward to welcoming you all back to Borough Briggs! 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/xx3aY1bCCz
— Elgin City F.C. (@ElginCityFC) January 26, 2024
Lights are ready for action at Elgin
Elgin are looking to get back on track following last week’s 2-1 league loss at Forfar Athletic.
A last-gasp Russell McLean spot-kick snatched a point away from Elgin, who had led through Ross Draper.
Ninth-placed Elgin now face two crunch clashes over the next four days – both at Borough Briggs.
On Saturday, Dumbarton, who are fourth, head north, then on Tuesday, Ian McCall’s basement team Clyde are their opponents in Moray.
As it stands, Elgin are five points ahead of the Bully Wee, with successive victories over Peterhead and Stranraer over the festive period crucial for Hale’s side.
Damage to floodlights amid the storms this week prompted the club to request an earlier start, which the SPFL and the Sons agreed to.
The torn-up pylon is on course to be fixed and in use for the Dumbarton and Clyde matches.
