BRAEHEAD Clan have landed an unexpected Commonwealth Games bonus after securing the signature of former NHL forward Matt Keith on a two-year deal.

The Canadian has a pedigree of playing for such famous teams as Chicago Blackhawks and New York Islanders and has made appearances in the top leagues in North America and Europe.

But Keith, 31, revealed that his desire to play in Glasgow - sparked by his Scottish heritage - had been greatly boosted by seeing the city host the Commonwealth Games.

The new Clan No.8 explained: "I had some talks with Braehead and liked everything I heard. With my family coming from Scotland and some of my relatives still living there, I felt that it would be the best option for my wife and I.

"Now they're showing the Commonwealth Games on TV in Canada and it's fantastic. It is so exciting to see Glasgow knowing that we will be going there soon."

Veteran Keith, who can play through the centre and on the wing, began his career in 1998 with Spokane Chiefs.

In recent years he has played in Germany, the Czech Republic and Sweden. He arrives at Braehead after a season with Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, where he made 66 appearances and racked up 19 points.

Now Keith will take on the best of British with Braehead. He said: "I have always wanted to play in the UK at some stage in my career.

"I've played in some of the world's top leagues and now I'm going to see what the Elite League has to offer.

"Some of my friends who have played in it say it's a good league and is improving every year."

Keith is the 14th player on the Clan's roster for the new season, which begins on Saturday, August 30, when they host Italian side Asiago in the Aladdin Cup.