Former Hibs duo sign up for East Kilbride

East Kilbride have strengthened for their Lowland League title defence with the signing of former Hibs players Danny Carmichael and Ruari Paton.

It takes Kilby’s summer signings to eight following the arrivals of goalkeeper Alan Martin, defenders Darren O’Dea, Dean Carins and David Brownlie, as well as strikers Ewan Macpherson and Ross Kavanagh.

Irishman Paton is a product of Hibernian’s development team and last season he impressed on loan at Gala Fairydean in the Lowland League, scoring 13 goals and helping them finish eighth in the table.

The 18-year-old striker featured in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Penicuik and scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in last night’s 1-0 win over League Two Stenhousemuir at K-Park.

Carmichael made nine appearances for the Hibees in the 2015/16 season during their spell in the Championship and last season had the same number of outings for Queen of the South, as the Doonhamers managed to avoid relegation to League One.

The 29-year-old attacking midfielder also featured in last night’s win over Stenhousemuir.

Kilby boss Stuart Malcolm said:“I played against Danny over the years when he was at Queens and I was at Arbroath.

“He was a bit younger then, but he was exceptional, so as soon as I knew he was available we got in touch.

“Danny is another player who had offers to play in the Championship and League One, but he’s bought into what we are trying to do.

“He will be a massive addition to the squad and a great asset in attacking areas.

“Ruari is great off the shoulder and proved last season that he can scores goals at this level with his performances for Gala.

“He’ll add pace and power and he’s an intelligent player as well.

“His experience of being full-time with Hibs will stand him in good stead as well.

“It was great to see him get off the mark last night.”