Josh Gentles has joined Airdrie on loan from Rangers, with manager John Rankin describing the 18-year-old as a 'proper striker' who can ease the club's goal drought.
The Diamonds drew 0-0 at home to East Fife on Saturday, with Gentles making his debut from the bench in the second half. That result followed a 0-0 draw at Cove Rangers on the opening day, a 1-1 home draw with East Fife, and back-to-back defeats to Hamilton Accies (4-0) and Ross County (3-1).
With just two goals in five league games, Rankin hopes the highly-rated forward - who impressed on loan at Alloa last term before injury cut short his stint - can provide a clinical edge in front of goal.
Rankin on Gentles
Rankin, who also has Rangers loanee Callum Burns in his squad, told Lanarkshire Live Sport: "Josh Gentles is one that we've had our eye on for a wee while.
"Obviously, he's had a couple of loan spells and done well. I'm delighted with Rangers trusting us with another one of their young boys and letting him go and try and flourish here, get him at the level that he should be at.
"And Josh just needs to play minutes. He's not been with the boys at all. They turned up pretty much today, and we got him involved straight away. He'll make a big difference for us.
"He'll make an impact, a proper striker that wants to score goals, and one that complements the ones that are already here as well."
Transfer movement expected
In recent days Rankin and assistant Declan Gallagher have spoken of the need to bring in experienced players. But the Airdrie boss has admitted players will need to leave New Broomfield ahead of Monday's transfer deadline day before they can bring in more players, as the loan window does not shut for another month.
He added: "There'll be more movement. There'll be boys going out, definitely boys going out. We've obviously got a squad. We've seen a lot of players over the summer, and we're building a whole new team, so we need to have patience with that.
"But there'll be boys going out now, ahead of the window closing on Monday. And we'll take it from there, but they will be moving that way.
"And then obviously, if we move some out, then there may be a wee bit of room to manoeuvre to bring one in. But right now, there will be some going out."
Gentles on his move
On joining Airdrie, Gentles told the club website: "I've obviously come into the dressing room knowing a few familiar faces, and the lads were very good with me today, so it should be a great experience.
"I play upfront or off as a 10, or wide left – anywhere in that little area. I try to link the game, I'm technically quite good, and I'll be running in behind and scoring goals hopefully!
"It's probably my main strength in my game – I can score from distance as well, so I can vary that side of my game up."
