Kev: I'm here for the long haul

Chris Hanlon • Published 3 Feb 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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TAKE A HARD LEFT: Kevin McKinlay in action against Ton for Partick.

MORTON'S new signing Kevin McKinlay is so happy with the club he is ready to settle down here, despite only signing until the end of the season.

Speaking after the confirmation of his transfer, with the option of a longer-term deal, McKinlay said: "I'm just delighted to have signed and be back in football. I have been out for a few months because my last game with Dundalk was on 6 November.

"It's great to be back playing my football in Scotland. I have been on trial for about three weeks and played in two bounce games.

"One was against Rangers and the other against St Johnstone. At first I felt a wee bit rusty but I have been steadily getting better.

"I thought I had done OK in the bounce games and Allan [McManus], who was coaching us and playing in the games, told me he thought I had played well.

"He got together with the boss and they decided to offer me a deal. I signed the deal on Saturday 30 January but had to wait for the international clearance.

"I'm here until the end of the season and I think the managers are still discussing whether or not to make it permanent -but I definitely want to.

"I'm only 23 but I have had five clubs and want to just settle down now. I'm happy and I just hope to be welcomed by the supporters."

Also at Cappielow is former Kilmarnock loanee Donovan Simmonds - who impressed McKinlay in training.

"We have a striker called [Donovan] Simmonds training with us as well. He looks like a good player and is very fast."

Grady has a vision of a more fluid, free-flowing unit and the pace of free agent Simmonds could provide the solution.

Simmonds, 21, played for Kilmarnock in the 2008-09 season, making 19 appearance (15 as substitute) and scoring once.

While he may add pace, McKinlay will help add a bit more brawn to the team's left side.

McKinlay is equally comfortable in defence and midfield, but has been playing at left-back in training and bounce games.

He said: "I will provide physical presence and a bit of stability hopefully. I have been played at left-back so far in training and games but feel just as comfortable at left midfield. I am quite versatile.

"It was great to get the international clearance after my time with Dundalk and I just can't wait to get started and make my debut.

"I was rusty at first but I'm getting sharper all the time. I think by making new signings and getting guys on trial proves the club is moving forward.

"It shows the fans and the players that the club are trying and gives everyone a lift."

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 03 Feb 10

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