TROON FC have pulled off a huge coup by signing former Scotland midfielder Ryan Stevenson from Raith Rovers until the end of next season.

The 32-year old, who lives in Troon, began his career with Chelsea, before a move north to Premier League St Johnstone.

He then enjoyed the first of four spells at Ayr United when he joined initially on loan in 2006 and eventually went on to play 161 games for the side he supported as a boy, scoring an impressive 43 goals.

Two successful spells at Hearts followed, sandwiching two seasons in the English Championship with Ipswich Town, before two years back in the SPFL with Partick Thistle prior to joining Dumbarton in the summer.

Stevenson was included in the Scotland squad for an away match against Cyprus in November 2011, where he was an unused substitute, and he has European experience having played and scored in the 2011-12 Europa League for Hearts.

Troon FC Chairman Jim Kirkwood was delighted with his team's capture and said: "When I became aware from my management team that there was the possibility of signing Ryan we tried to move as quickly as possible to make it happen and after discussion with our main sponsor we have been able to strike a deal that suits all parties. We are delighted to be able to help bring such a big signing to the club."

Troon FC General Manager Jimmy Kirkwood was absolutely delighted with the signing.

He said: "We talked with Ryan in the summer about a move but he had a good opportunity presented to him by Dumbarton to play in the Championship which he felt was best at the time. He has since been given the opportunity to begin a career away from football which he has taken and he immediately spoke with me about playing in the Juniors. As a Director and fan of Ayr United, I have seen Ryan at his best at Somerset Park and his pedigree of playing in the SPL, English Championship and Scottish Championship speaks for itself.

"I am struggling to think of a better player who has stepped into the Juniors in recent years and I really hope he settles in quickly and shows what he can do. It won't be an easy transition for him but myself and Burnsie will work with him to make sure he gets to grips with the cut and thrust of the Juniors as soon as possible. Ryan is a fit and dedicated professional at and away from football so we expect him to light up the Junior game in the coming months and years!"

Troon FC Manager Gordon Burns is equally thrilled.

"I am delighted we have recruited someone of Ryan's calibre, it's not only good for us but for Junior football as a whole. It's a tremendous boost for everyone at our level and I'm really looking forward to working with him. A player of his quality and experience will have a great impact in the dressing room, particularly on our younger players, and will help raise the standards of everything we do.

It's a fantastic statement of intent for everybody, a real sign that Troon mean business and a real show of ambition from Jim and Jimmy Kirkwood. Everyone connected with the club should be excited about this," he said.

Stevenson will make his debut for Troon in Saturday's Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup First Round tie at home to Ardeer Thistle at Portland Park on Saturday, ko 2pm.