Connor Randall is excited to return to the Scottish Premiership after joining Ross County on a free transfer.
Former Liverpool defender Randall yesterday became the Staggies’ second summer signing, after leaving Bulgarian club top-flight club Arda Kardzhali where he spent last season.
Randall had come through the youth ranks at Anfield where he spent 17 years, and made eight first team appearances prior to being released last summer.
The 24-year-old has experience of Scottish football having spent the 2017-18 season on loan at Hearts, where he made 27 appearances.
Right back Randall reflects fondly on his stint at Tynecastle, which made him keen to take up the opportunity to join the Dingwall outfit.
Randall: “It’s been a good few seasons now but I know the league from my time up here.
“I really enjoyed it, I had a good season and enjoyed the football. I’m really happy to be back here in the Scottish league.
“I just want to come here and play as many games as possible, and do well for the team.”
County had been lacking full back options following the loss of Marcus Fraser, Richard Foster and Sean Kelly earlier this summer, with former England under-17 international Randall eager to make a strong early impression.
Randall added: “I drove up on Wednesday – it’s a long drive but I’m happy to get everything sorted.
“Speaking with the manager and the coaching staff over the last week, we are on the same page in terms of what I want to get from the season.
“I’m looking forward to getting in and getting a pre-season. For me it’s an exciting time, I’m looking forward to getting going.”
Randall becomes the Staggies’ second signing of the summer following the capture of Rangers midfielder Stephen Kelly on a season-long loan this week.
County manager Stuart Kettlewell said: “We are delighted to get Connor into the club. He is a player, at only 24, that has some terrific experience behind him.
“We will look forward to seeing what he is going to bring to us in the coming weeks and months.
“Right now the transfer market is extremely tough, but we are still managing to showcase the club in the best possible ways.
“This is only demonstrated by the desire we see from players like Connor in wanting to join up with us and play a part in our plans and ambitions.”
Highly-rated teenager James Graham has left the Staggies to join Rangers in a £45,000 deal.
The 16-year-old striker, from Laxdale on Lewis, has been part of County’s youth setup but will move to Ibrox on a three-year deal.
Graham had also attracted attention from clubs in England, and had trials with Liverpool and Manchester United last year.