Airdrie land ex-pars star Paton on loan

Airdrieonians have snapped up East Kilbride captain Paul Paton on loan until the end of the season.

The 33-year-old joined Lowland League Kilby in the summer, but with the fifth tier still suspended the Diamonds have swooped to take the ex-dunfermline and Partick Thistle midfielder to New Broomfield.

Paton’s exit follows similar moves by EK stars Chris Erskine and Steven Bell, who joined Partick Thistle on loan, and striker Kieran Mcgrath who has switched to Peterhead.

As with those moves, Northern Ireland cap Paton has a clause in his contract that will see him return to Stevie Aitken’s East Kilbride squad immediately should the Lowland League re-start.

Diamonds boss Ian Murray told the club website:“i’m really looking forward to working with Paul, he brings quality and experience, and is another player with great hunger which is so important to us. Everyone is looking forward to working with him over this busy period.”

Paton, who could make his debut on Saturday against old club Thistle, said:“i’m delighted to be joining the club and working hard like I have done over my whole career. Hopefully my experience can help in the run-in to the end of the season .

“The boys have been great so far so let’s hope we can have a good end to the season and help to guide the club closer to where it deserves to be.”

Meanwhile, Paton made light of new team-mate Kyle Turner’s red card four minutes into his first appearance for Airdrie on Saturday, in a 1-0 defeat to Peterhead.

Paton tweeted, complete with a laughing face emoji:“very happy to sign for Airdrie, good club, good fans. Hope I have a better debut than Kyleturner.”

Loan switch Paul Paton, formerly of Dunfermline, has joined Airdrie on loan from East Kilbride