2 hours ago
A FAMILY tip-off has helped Nairn County secure the services of a top up-and-coming local striker, writes Graeme Macleod. Jordan Macrae from Ardersier has rebuffed interest from a number of other clubs to join Nairn County, where he will link up with his uncle, Robbie Duncanson. The 17-year-old was released by Inverness CT in the summer and when his time with the Scottish Cup winners came to an end and he was looking for training facilities, his family connection at Station Park helped bring him to the club’s attention. He has now done enough in friendlies and unofficial games to earn a two-year contract and manager Les Fridge believes the attacker is one to keep an eye out for in the future. He said: “Jordan was at Inverness CT and he had a couple of Highland League clubs chasing him after he finished there in the summer. He is obviously related to Robbie (Duncanson), which meant we were able to get him in to train with us during pre-season. He was also playing in the amateur league during the summer, so now that has concluded we have brought him in and we are delighted because he is an exciting prospect.” Macrae has already been named on the bench in the Highland League for the first team despite not turning 18 until later this month. He made his first official club appearance in the under-20s 5-2 win over Alness United in their opening North of Scotland League match and impressed with his energy, work rate and link up play up front alongside fellow youngster Matty Macleod, in what appears to be the early stages of a blossoming lethal partnership at that level. Macrae will predominantly feature in the under-20s this season but that does not mean the door to the first team will be closed for him or his team mates now that North of Scotland League is up and running. The youngster will take on the number 23 squad number, worn in the past by club legends such as Ronnie Sharp and Willie Barron. The under-20s play their home matches at the Nairn Academy Playing Fields. You can view their fixtures list at the Youth section of the club website. Graeme Macleod
