Matthew Shiels is a Spider

QUEEN’S PARK is pleased to announce the arrival of Matthew Shiels to Sean Crighton’s first-team squad.

The former Rangers youth player has had spells with Hamilton Academical and most recently Dumbarton before arriving at The city Stadium to join the Spiders.

However, his association with head-coach Sean Crighton goes further – back to school.

The 24-year-old was part of the SFA Performance School around the corner at Holyrood Secondary – where his new boss was previously a coach.

Matthew said: “I’m buzzing to be back full-time in the Championship and looking forward to a step up next season.

“I’ve played in this league before and had a taste of it, it will be tough but I think we have the right group of players and can go forward together as a team.

“I’ve known Sean for a long time – school, Hamilton and then Dumbarton. I know his pre-season will be tough but that’s something I am really looking forward to.”

Sean Crighton added: “I’m delighted to get Matthew in, I know he’s someone I can trust.

“I played alongside him at Dumbarton and actually coached him when he was a kid in the performance school so I have a good knowledge of him and relationship with him.

“He is adaptable in different positions and is an athlete capable of getting up and down the pitch.

“He is the type of player who will run through a brick wall for us and I’m looking forward to working with him.”