AMBITIOUS Kilbirnie Ladeside have pulled off a major coup by signing former Stranraer and Arbroath strike Martin Grehan.

They staved off competition from Premier Division rivals Petershill and Troon, and Lowland League side East Kilbride Thistle to land the experienced striker.

Grehan (31) is set to be pitched straight into the squad for Saturday's ETHX Energy Scottish Junior Cup fifth round tie away to Aberdeenshire side Hermes.

Manager Stephen Swift is delighted to have the targetman on board and said: "Martin give us more options upfront. He is an experienced player who can hold the ball up well and bring other people into play,"

Looking ahead to the tie, Swift said: "Hermes are strong upfront. They led Glenrothes 5-0 in the fourth round tie on Saturday but ended up winning 5-4. We will prepare properly and stay over on Friday night. We lost in the last 16 to Hurlford last season but hopefully we can make the quarter-finals."

Meanwhile Beith boss Johnny Millar is savouring his side's home Scottish Junior Cup clash with Petershill.

He said: "We drew 2-2 at home with them in the league and they beat us 1-0 up there so it should be a good game. I haven't been in the quarter-finals as Beith manager so hopefully we can go through,"