KELTY HEARTS have strengthened their squad by completing the signing of a former Dunfermline Athletic player.

Scott Mercer, 29, has moved to New Central Park from Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic, and made his debut during Saturday's draw at Montrose in the club's League One opener.

The Kirkcaldy-born defender joined the Pars, his boyhood favourites, at under-10 level and progressed through the youth ranks at East End Park.

In May 2013, he featured for them in the SFA Youth Cup final against Celtic at Hampden, which the Hoops won 3-1, and made his senior debut later that month as a substitute in a home draw with Rangers.

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Two years later, he left upon the expiry of his contract and joined East Fife for the first of two spells, making 67 appearances before moving to Queen of the South in January 2017.

Mercer spent more than three years at Palmerston, playing 112 times, before moving to Falkirk, where he stayed for a season before returning to East Fife.

He turned out on a further 69 occasions for the New Bayview outfit before joining Edinburgh City in January 2023, making 31 appearances before moving to Bonnyrigg in February this year.

He played 14 times for the Midlothian side - including three of this season's Premier Sports Cup ties - before signing for Kelty, who stated: "We would like to welcome Scott Mercer as the latest addition to Michael Tidser's squad.

"The experienced defender makes the move to New Central Park from William Hill League Two side Bonnyrigg Rose.

"A former Dunfermline Athletic youth player, Scott has also appeared for Falkirk, Queen of the South, East Fife and FC Edinburgh. We would like to thank Bonnyrigg Rose for their assistance in completing this transfer.

"Welcome to New Central Park Scott."