HIGHLY-rated midfielder Robbie Crawford has turned down Scottish Premiership interest to remain at Ayr United.

Crawford, described by Somerset Park boss Ian McCall as one of the "best players in League One" last season, has penned a new one-year deal.

A product of the Ayr United Football Academy, he has become a key player at Somerset Park.

He joins other top stars like Lawrence Shankland, Craig Moore and Michael Rose in staying put. However it was confirmed on Friday that goalkeeper Jordan Hart was leaving the club and is seeking another challenge.

Robbie told Ayr United Media: "I had a couple of options, but winning the league was massive and with all the boys signing, I felt the best thing to do was come back and play here for another year and see how we do in the Championship.

"Everyone gets on great, here. A Premier team and a couple of others in the Championship were after me but I spoke to my dad and the gaffer and decided I want to come back here and see what happens. It's nice to hear the gaffer say good things about me.

"Hopefully I won't get any injuries and will find the form I had at the start of the season. I look forward to the Championship. There was a spell at the tail end of the season in the Championship last time when we couldn't pick up wins, but I feel we have a better team than then."

Meanwhile it has been confirmed that goalkeeper Jordan Hart was leaving the club and will be seeking another challenge.