Manager Peter Murphy has labelled midfielder Lewis McLear as one to watch after he became the latest to commit to next season's Annan Athletic squad.

McLear yesterday linked up with the Black and Golds after he had been released by Scottish League Two rivals Stirling Albion in May.

He had come through the youth system at St Mirren, making his Scottish Premiership debut for the Buddies in December 2014 in a 1-0 home defeat against Motherwell.

After failing to nail down a regular first-team spot at St Mirren Park, McLear joined Stirling on loan in January 2016.

Having made 21 appearances, he then left St Mirren in June 2017 and, after a trial with Elgin City, joined Edinburgh City.

A spell at Albion Rovers, and another at Stirling, followed before the 23-year-old signed for the Galabankies.

While playing for Albion last season, McLear scored at Galabank as the Wee Rovers fell to a 3-1 defeat against Athletic in October.

Murphy, Carlisle United’s record outfield appearance-maker, told the club website: "Lewis is an exciting young talent who impressed me greatly when he was playing in a very poor Albion Rovers side.

"It didn’t quite worked out for him at Stirling so, now, he has that desire to achieve and will relish the opportunity at Annan while also adding a different dynamic to our attack - keep an eye on this boy."