Albion Rovers have made their first January signing after the capture of Camelon Juniors youngster Joe Bevan.
The striker, who turned 18 on New Year's Day, joins the League Two strugglers on a permanent transfer from the East of Scotland League First Division side for an undisclosed fee.
And Rovers claim they had to fend off competition from clubs across the country to land their man.
Brian Reid's Rovers have been crying out for a frontman to boost their survival bid and with the Coatbridge men propping up the table, it is hoped the teenager can help fire them up the standings after a run of three straight defeats.
Bevan, who featured for The Mariners in the Scottish Cup earlier this season against Rovers' league rivals Elgin City in a 4-0 defeat, has been in training with the side this week and his deal was sealed earlier today.
Boss Brian Reid told the club website: "Joe has already brought a real enthusiasm to our group and it is clear he is willing to learn.
"The East of Scotland league system has a lot of big clubs and it is of a very decent standard.
"Even at his young age, he has shown he has a number of key mental and physical attributes that will suit League 2.
"He can finish well and I have high hopes for what he can achieve at the club longer term but also in the immediate future.”
Club chairman, Ian Benton, added: “Young Joe is a player I have been able to watch myself and I have been blown away by his potential alongside Brian and the rest of the coaching team.
"He is a player we have watched for an extended period of time and one we were desperate to bring in. We need players with an eye for goal and we believe Joe can step up to that call.
"We were delighted that Joe chose to commit to Albion Rovers, especially with the level of interest in him from clubs across Scotland.”
Bevan, who will wear the number 14 jersey, could make his debut in Saturday's league clash away to Bonnyrigg Rose.
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