Gregor’s set to bring even more versatility
Jeanfield Swifts have added further versatility to their squad with the loan signing of Gregor Donald.
The former St Johnstone youngster joins the Perth club from Premiership side Livingston until the end of the season.
Most commonly a left-sided full-back, Donald, a Scottish youth international, can also play in a more central role if required.
He made a late appearance in Swifts’ 3-1 East of Scotland League Premier Division win against Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts on Saturday afternoon.
“We’ve kept in touch with Gregor since he’s gone to Livingston and as the year has progressed the opportunity for game-time there has been limited,” manager Ross Gunnion explained.
“We discussed the opportunity to come into the squad and he was keen, as were Livingston.
“He’s a very versatile player who is naturally comfortable at left-back but has the ability to play centre-half or even push up to midfield if needed. He’s shown up well in training as well so we’re looking forward to having him here.”
Weekend goals from Paul Simpson, Chris McLeish and Mark Smith ensured that Swifts kept hold of their unbeaten league start.
Gunnion, reflecting on the 3-1 win and the strong run so far this campaign, said: “The margin of victory should maybe have been a little wider as we had a host of chances but given the conditions and how heavy the surface was I was pleased with the performance and result.
“We never looked like getting anything other than three points from the game from start to finish.
“It’s been a fantastic start and certainly up there with anything I’ve experienced as a manager.
“The credit has to go to the players however, as each and every one of them has put in the hard work behind the scenes and the rewards are showing on the pitch each game day.”
League duty can now be pushed to one side ahead of a massive and historic Scottish Cup first round encounter this Saturday.
Swifts will be putting in the hard work on the training field through the week ahead of making the short trip to New Central Park to take on Kelty Hearts.
The Boxing Day fixture will go down as one of the biggest games in the club’s history as they dream of a shock result against the Lowland League leaders.
“We’d been emphasising in training all week that the only game we need to focus on is the next one and that Inverkeithing posed an immediate threat to our league challenge,” Gunnion told the PA.
“So to come away with a professional performance and three points is very pleasing. They never let the concentration levels dip.
“It sets us up nicely for another big week where we can put the league to the side and get excited for a huge Scottish Cup tie on Boxing Day.
“The players have all come through unscathed and we’ll now train Tuesday and Thursday ahead of Saturday’s game with a view of trying to cause an upset against Kelty who are bound to start as strong favourites.”
He’s shown up well in training... we’re looking forward to having him here