Brora Rangers manager Steven Mackay hopes the Cattachs have made an inspired capture in Dutch midfielder Bjorn Wagenaar.
The Sutherland outfit moved to land Wagenaar on a two-year deal this week after he impressed during a recent trial spell, playing in last Saturday’s 5-2 friendly defeat to Hearts XI at Tynecastle.
Wagenaar was available after leaving SVV Scheveningen, and had been on the verge of joining SC Feyenoord – the amateur branch of the Rotterdam club – until the opportunity to move to Scotland arose.
Mackay hopes his new recruit can make a smooth transition to Scottish football, and he said: “We invited him to pre-season training and he did pretty well and impressed us. Technically he’s definitely got something to offer, but we were just nervous we hadn’t seen him in a game.
“We got him over to play in the Hearts game at Tynecastle last weekend and he did really well. He’s very good on the ball and comfortable taking it on in tight areas, although he probably has some work to do to become accustomed to the physicality of the Highland League.
“He offers us something different. Hopefully it will be a prudent move.”
Wagenaar has recently graduated as a primary school PE teacher and will aim to find employment in the Highlands following his move.
Mackay added: “He has actually moved to Scotland based on signing for ourselves, and we will find him work once he’s here.
“It came about through an email inquiry which landed in the chairman William Powrie’s inbox from a gentleman who is based in Maryburgh but is originally from Holland.
“He has particular links and ties to SVV Scheveningen, and he mentioned there was a young player there who had shown keenness to play football abroad.
“There were a couple of video clips of Bjorn in action and we thought we had nothing to lose.
“He was keen to pick up some life experience in Scotland, and see if there would be the opportunity to play at a higher level. We would love to play a part in that.”
