Archie Macphee wants to help Elgin City secure a League 2 play-off spot after returning to the club for a third time.
A loan move from Highland League side Formartine United was finalised towards the end of last week and returns Macphee to a club he knows very well.
He first had a loan spell from Ross County during the 2011-12 season and then rejoined them on a permanent basis from Nairn County in 2014. Macphee left Elgin two-and-a-half years ago for a second stint in the Highland League with Formartine.
The 26-year-old marked his return to the club with three points against Brechin City and hopes he also seals a third trip to the play-offs with the black and whites.
Macphee said: “I’ve been to the play-offs twice in Elgin so hopefully it’s third time lucky. I feel we’re capable enough to challenge, with the squad we’ve got. The way we play is a joy to watch at times.
“It’s a great squad here. We need to believe in ourselves, keep playing the way we’re playing and hopefully cement a place in the play-offs. But there’s still a long way to go.
“I know quite a few of the boys and they’ve made me feel welcome straight away. I’ve worked with the gaffer before, know how he plays and it suits me down to a tee. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.
“I hadn’t played for 12 weeks. But I’d been working hard and it felt like it paid off – I felt fit.”
Elgin were beaten in the play-offs by Albion Rovers during his first period at the club, before suffering the same fate at the hands of Clyde in 2016.
The versatile left-sider spent some time on loan at League One side Forfar Athletic earlier in the campaign, when former Borough Briggs boss Jim Weir was in charge.
His time at Formartine United has been a source of frustration of late but Macphee is keen not to dwell too much on his parent club.
He added: “It has been frustrating. A couple of things happened but you’ve just got to put that aside now. That’s what happens in football.
“I have to thank Formartine for letting me go out on loan and get back playing football. That’s first and foremost, to get back enjoying football again.
“You always strive to play at the highest level you can. It suits me. I know Elgin well, they’re a good side. Hopefully we can push for the play-offs now.”
