Kerr faces battle to hold onto Shields

Brian Kerr fears Albion Rovers could lose teenage hotshot Connor Shields in the final hours of the transfer window following their defeat to St Johnstone.

The 19-year-old striker has hit 12 goals in his debut season for the first team which has led him to be linked with a host of English sides including Aston Villa, Sunderland and Watford.

Kerr described the interest from clubs so far this month as “tentative” but believes seeing the forward test himself against the Premiership Perth Saints could encourage teams to make a bid.

“I think there is genuine interest in Connor but we haven’t had an official approach,” the gaffer told the Advertiser.

“There has been clubs watching him and asking the club about him.

“People will want to see how he handles playing against a Premiership team, so the game against St Johnstone is the kind of thing that could push his deal over the line.

“It’s the kind of thing that could turn it into solid interest.”

He added: “Clearly he is a player we would like to keep a hold of but we’re not the richest club in the world so that decision can be taken out of our hands.”

Rovers have also moved to strengthen their defence with two new signings.

They snapped up Daniel Baur on loan from Hearts and former Montrose veteran Callum MacDonald.

B o t h 1 8 - y e a r- o l d Baur and 34- year- old MacDonald made their debuts against Stranraer on Saturday.

Highly rated Connor Shields