Albion Rovers were last night close to signing young Kilwinning Rangers striker Ross Stewart, and manager Darren Young is hoping that the teenage hitman can even play a part in today’s League Cup clash with Morton.

19-year-old Stewart was in sensational form for the Buffs last season, and had previously been linked with a move to Falkirk. Young was delighted that the forward had made the decision to join Rovers.

“We’re trying to get it pushed through for the Morton game,” Young said. “I’m not sure how it works in the juniors with the player’s registration and whatnot, but I’ll leave that to the club secretary.

“Whether we can get him involved or not for tomorrow, it’ll be an exciting signing for the club and I’ve got really high hopes for what he can achieve with us.”

Young is hoping that the timing of today’s encounter can prove something of a leveller, as full-time opponents Morton might not quite be up to speed so early in the traditional pre-season.

“It could possibly be a chance to catch them cold,” he said.

“Full-time teams obviously have an advantage because they are in every day and will still be that little bit quicker, sharper and stronger, but we’re delighted with our boys and the condition they have come back in.

“We’ve had our pre-season, and we want to start off well. We’ve only played three games ourselves so we’re still chasing our match-fitness, but we’ve been happy with how sharp and fit the players have looked in the games against Falkirk and Motherwell.

“One or two guys could maybe do with a game or two, but it will be the same for Morton and hopefully the advantage they would normally enjoy as a full-time outfit won’t be as big as what it might be later in the season.”

Despite the capture of Stewart, Young is still hopeful of drafting in some new faces before the league campaign kicks off in August.

“We’re still looking to add two more players so that we can boost the squad and try to have healthy competition for places," he said.

“We learned a bit of a lesson last season after losing all of our strikers come winter-time, either through letting players go, injuries or not being able to get loans in, so we don’t want to be in that position again.

“It was disappointing, but we still managed to have the best season in Albion Rovers history. We’ll be looking to build on that, and beating Morton would be a great marker to set.”