FORMER Scotland and Celtic star Craig Beattie has completed a shock switch to Stirling Albion as clubs scramble to strengthen their squads ahead of this afternoon's big kick-off.
The 31-year-old, who boasts seven caps and turned out for the likes of Swansea City, West Brom, Crystal Palace and Hearts, has penned a one year deal with the League Two side.
Stirling Albion, who face Elgin City in the Petrofac Training Cup this afternoon, also captured 19-year-old Salim Kouider-Aissa, formally of Stenhousemuir and Queen of the South, following a successful trial period.
Stirling were not the only club to make notable raids on the transfer market as teams out-with the top-flight prepare to swing into competitive action today.
League One side Albion Rovers secured a coup by attracting former Ross County and Dunfermline striker Andrew Barrowman to Cliftonhill ahead of their trip to face Ayr United.
Darren Young also added former Raith Rovers man Mark Ferry to his ranks, with the Albion player/boss beaming: "Andy and Mark are great signings with bags of experience and the will be key players for us this season."
Meanwhile, East Fife have completed a double swoop before their testing tie against Falkirk, with Craig Sutherland – formerly of their local rivals Cowdenbeath – and ex-St Johnstone kid Jason Kerr penning one-year deals.
Berwick Rangers player/boss Colin Cameron, who had hoped to add Ian Black to their ranks ahead of their mouth-watering fixture at St Mirren, had to be content with the more modest additions on Keiran Ainslie and Ross Graham, the brother of Finn Graham, who also joined the Borderers this summer.
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