Ryan Stevenson linked with a move to Troon FC

The surprise news comes after the midfielder, who has been playing with Raith Rovers this season, announced his retirement from senior football on Thursday after a proposed move to East Kilbride fell through at the last minute.

Troon manager Gordon Burns said: "Ryan Stevenson is still a Raith Rovers player but if he became available he is a player we would definitely be interested in as he is a local lad and has so much experience."

Meanwhile highly-rated midfielder Seasiders midfielder Ross McCrea has put pen to paper on a new deal which will see him stay at Portland Park until 2018 at least.

Ross was a key component in the all-conquering Troon Under-19 team of 2014-15 before signing for Troon in June 2015, and had a very encouraging debut season last term. A fantastic start to this season was cut short when he broke his leg in a league match against Arthurlie at Portland Park in September, but he has worked himself back to fitness and cemented his return to duty with a man-of the-match performance against Glenafton Athletic in a 3-0 victory in February.

General Manager Jimmy Kirkwood said: "We rate Ross very highly at this club, he's a talented player with a very bright future at Troon. This season has been difficult for him with his leg break, but he has worked extremely hard to get back to fitness and I'm sure he will be an important player for us in the run in. With the ability and application he has shown so far, we'll give him the platform to become one of the best midfielders in this league. A good young talent, with the right attitude, he has always had the opportunity at Troon, and that will be even more the case next season."

Troon on Saturday defeated Cumbernauld United 2-1 in a friendly, courtesy of goals from Scott Chatham and Mark Curragh.

They have no more competitive games until entertaining Ardeer Thistle in the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup on April 1.

Burns said: "It's a joke to be out of action for so long."