Stewart Maxwell believes Rob Roy have pulled off a major coup with the signing of journeyman goalkeeper Jon Connolly.

The 32-year-old's second-time-around move to Adamslie Park - supporters will recall him having a brief 2011 stint there under Jimmy Lindsay -comes only nine months after he was on the signing radar of Dundee boss John Brown and less than a week after he reputedly shook hands on a deal to join Kilbirnie Ladeside.

But last Friday night he signed for the Kirkintilloch outfit and some 24 hours later was wearing the gloves for his latest club - the 16th in his playing career - in a 5-1 friendly win against Blantyre Vics.

The Rabs gaffer was pleased fringe players Fraser Team, Scott Morton and Chris Duff got their names on the scoresheet - along with regulars Ryan Deas and Gordon Moffat - but he owned up to deriving the greater satisfaction from Connolly emerging unscathed and with 90 minutes under his belt.

Taking time out from preparing for the visit of his former club Petershill, Maxi said: "We are delighted to fix up someone of Jon's calibre, not least because it eases a big goalkeeping predicament.

"Our up-and-coming No.1 Stuart Wilson has shown sufficient promise to earn a new two-year deal but he broke three ribs in the league game against Auchinleck Talbot.

"The injury would have opened the door for Gordon McPherson to regain his place between the sticks but he has decided to call it a day as far as Junior football is concerned due to work commitments.

"His quit news came as a shock and left me scrambling to find a decent shotstopper. Then word broke of Kilbirnie showing an interest in Jon following his release by Kilwinning Rangers.

"He and I were good friends back when we both played for Linlithgow Rose, so I phoned him up and within 10 minutes he had agreed to join us.

"I envisage him and a fully fit Stuart competing for the goalkeeper's jersey but someone of Jon's background has a significant role to play on the coaching side of things."

Connolly scoffed at suggestions he had snubbed Kilbirnie after agreeing contract terms.

He said: "I went to a couple of training sessions and spoke with Stevie Swift and Mark Crilly, but the fact I had also lined up talks with Brian Johnston at Lanark United shows my mind was anything but set on going there.

"Maxi making his approach changed everything, particularly as I feel there is unfinished business between Rob Roy and myself relating back to my previous time here.

"I enjoyed playing for the club under Jimmy Lindsay but the writing was on the wall for me when he fixed up Stevie Robertson and I was 'rested' for the Sectional League Cup quarter-finals.

"It struck me I might be in for a lot of rests that season so I asked for a transfer.

"There was no fall-out with anyone connected to the Rabs which is why I didn't hesitate for a second when the chance came to come back here.

The postponement of last week's game at Arthurlie has worked well for Connolly, whose competitive debut will now be made in front of his own supporters against a relegation-battling Petershill.

Word on the team front reckons ex-Rabs front man Chris Mackie is in line for a recall to the Peasy forward line while another sharpshooter, Willie Sawyers, will make his return for the home side after sitting out the Blantyre friendly.