FORMER Partick Thistle youngster Caolan McAleer has joined League Two side East Fife on a 12-month deal.

The winger moved to Firhill two years ago from Northern Irish side Linfield but struggled to make the breakthrough into the Jags first team and spent several months on loan at Junior side Arthurlie.

He spent most of last term at Airdrieonians as he helped Gary Bollan's side retain their place in League One but was not offered a new deal to remain with Thistle beyond the end of his contract.

He has now been snapped up by Fifers boss Gary Naysmith ahead of the new fourth tier campaign, with the Methil men also clinching the signing of former Morton defender Marc Fitzpatrick.