Ayr United manager Gary Naysmith has high hopes for new signing Kieran Shanks, describing the 24-year-old striker as a potential goal machine for the Championship side this season. Shanks, who joined the Honest Men from Peterhead on a three-year deal, is Naysmith's fourth summer signing following Reece Lyon, Ross Taylor, and Harry Stone.
Shanks Makes Immediate Impact
Shanks wasted no time in making his mark, scoring during Ayr United's 3-0 pre-season victory over Glenafton on Saturday. The forward netted 22 goals for Peterhead last season, catching the attention of Naysmith, who has been tracking his progress for several seasons.
Speaking to Ayr United TV, Naysmith said: "First and foremost, he's a goalscorer. We have seen a lot of him first hand over the last two or three seasons and every time we played him he gave us problems."
Naysmith Details Shanks' Qualities
Naysmith praised Shanks' physicality and movement, noting that he is not a traditional target man but a constant nuisance for defenders. "He's a goal threat and he's a strong boy, although he's not what you would call a target man. He doesn't give centre halves an easy time. He'll make it uncomfortable when the ball goes up and he's quite happy to go run in behind to stretch the game," Naysmith added.
The manager also highlighted improvements in Shanks' link-up play, based on feedback from his former teammates at Peterhead. "Speaking to the lads at Peterhead, what he's improved on is his link-up play," Naysmith said.
Step Up to Championship
Naysmith acknowledged that Shanks still has areas to develop as he adapts to Championship football. "Obviously he's not the finished article, there's still things that he's going to have to improve on and he's going to have to get used to the level of Championship football, but I definitely think it's the right move for him at this stage of his career," he said. "Over the last two or three seasons he's proved that he can play in League One. He now needs to come and make the step up."
Peterhead's Statement
Peterhead FC released a statement expressing their support for Shanks' move. "While we are naturally sorry to see Kieran leave, Peterhead FC will always support players who have the ambition and opportunity to progress their careers at a higher level. His move is one he has earned through his hard work, commitment and performances at Balmoor and we wish him every success."
Additional Signing
On Monday night, Ayr United also secured the signing of versatile midfielder Luke McBeth from Partick Thistle on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee, adding further depth to the squad ahead of the new season.
