Dons Sign Young Keeper

Last updated : 04 September 2008 By Stand Free Ed

ABERDEEN have signed young East Kilbride goalkeeper James Kinniburgh.

The 14-year-old was picked up by Aberdeen's head of youth in Central Scotland, Peter Weir, after he impressed for local side EKYC under-15s.

James told the East Kilbride News: "It's great to sign for Aberdeen. I've played a couple of games for them now and I'm really enjoying it.

"The standard is much better and I'm delighted that the scouts watched me and thought I was good enough to play for Aberdeen."

The ambitious Duncanrig Secondary School pupil is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his brothers Willie and Steven, who play for Partick Thistle and Rangers respectively.

He added: "I've signed a two-year contract and, hopefully, I can follow what my brothers have done.

"I'm used to going to watch them play and I've seen what they have achieved since I was quite young, but I want to do better than them."

Assistant Youth Academy Director and Gothenburg legend Peter Weir became Aberdeen's chief youth scout in Glasgow after Willie Miller made sweeping changes to the Dons' failing youth set-up three years ago.