KELTY HEARTS have pulled off a signing coup by announcing the capture of former Hibernian and Celtic midfielder Scott Allan.

The 32-year-old, who spent last season on loan with Northern Irish outfit Larne, has become player / manager Michael Tidser's latest recruit, and is also set to take on a coaching role at New Central Park.

Following Tuesday evening's first pre-season friendly, at home to Livingston, Tidser told Press Sport that he felt he was "three or four boys short", and that he hoped to add before they play Hamilton Academical in another warm-up match tomorrow.

He has succeeded in bringing in Allan, who has been capped 10 times by Scotland at under-21 level, following his departure from Arbroath.

After coming through the youth ranks at Dundee United, Allan signed for West Bromwich Albion in January 2012, where he spent two years.

He had loan spells with Portsmouth, MK Dons and Birmingham City before leaving the Hawthorns in 2014, after which he joined Hibernian on a two-year contract.

Allan left Easter Road in 2015 for Celtic, helping them win the Scottish Premiership title in his first season with the club, before spending time on loan with Rotherham United, Dundee and Hibs.

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During the summer of 2019, he rejoined the latter on a permanent basis, but was released in 2022, having made 129 appearances for the Hibees over three spells.

Arbroath was Allan's next port of call but, last season, he played on loan with Larne, whom he helped win the Northern Irish Football League championship, scoring in their final game of the campaign, which confirmed them as title winners.

A Kelty statement said: "We are delighted to welcome Scott Allan as Michael Tidser's latest addition ahead of the new season.

"The experienced midfielder, who counts Dundee United, West Brom, Hibs and Celtic amongst his former clubs, joins us at New Central Park having picked up a Northern Ireland Championship medal with Larne last season whilst on loan from Arbroath.

"Scott will also be assisting as part of the coaching team in his role at the club."

Allan joins goalkeeper Ryan Adamson, defender Callum Flatman, and midfielders Luke McCarvel, Murray Millar and Robbie Cole in signing on at New Central Park.

Tidser, who has seen Stefan McCluskey, and goalkeepers Kyle Gourlay and Liam Campbell depart, has also signed Tam O'Ware and Billy Owens on new deals, whilst bringing in Brody Paterson on a permanent basis, following a successful loan spell last season.