New Irvine Vics boss Dougie MacDuff reckons he can build his team around brothers Ciaran and Declan Walsh.
MacDuff made the midfield duo among his first signings this week – and believes Vics have landed a couple of crackers.
The siblings stood out on Saturday as Vics lost 2-1 to Saltcoats in the annual Sheena Thomson Memorial clash.
And MacDuff, who has brought in a total of five new faces with more expected to follow this week, insists the pair are at the very heart of his rebuild job at Victoria Park.
He said: “Ciaran and Declan are two very talented young players and I’m delighted we’ve managed to bring them in.
“I got them to sign before Saturday’s game because I know they have the potential to turn heads.
“They are absolutely the kind of quality we’re looking to build the team around.
“Ciaran is 24 and was previously at Gartcairn, while Declan is 21 and has been with Pollok Under-21s and Queen’s Park.”
MacDuff has also snapped up former Glasgow Perthsire wideman Steven Jackson, ex-St Roch’s midfielder Sean Cryans and plucked promising winger Paddy Barrett from the amateur ranks.
He added: “We’re up to 10 signed players now and there’s other boys coming in so competition for places will be a lot more competitive.
“At my previous clubs, we’ve always been there or thereabouts and given good accounts of ourselves. My teams have always been hard to beat so hopefully we can continue that.”
MacDuff has also been quick to appoint defender Jamie Donnelly as his new club captain.
He said: “Jamie has the club at heart and knows what it’s all about to play here. I only had to have a quick chat with him to realise he was captain material.”
MacDuff also revealed he was blown away by the turnout for his first game in charge.
He added: “It was fantastic. I wasn’t expecting that.”
Vics lost 4-0 away to Largs Thistle last night. They round up their pre-season campaign with a trip to Glasgow on Saturday to face Drumchapel United.
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