Raith Rovers manager John McGlynn has predicted a bright future for rookie defender Reece Donaldson after handing the 17-year-old a new deal until 2014.
The right-back has quickly caught the eye since the season began, persuading Stark’s Park officials to tie the youngster down to the Kirkcaldy club. Donaldson was in the final year of his current deal but on Wednesday signed a two-year extension to commit him to the first division side until the end of July 2014.
The Edinburgh-born player who started out with Edina Hibs boys club in the capital is a graduate of Raith’s academy structure and McGlynn hopes more follow his lead.
He said, “Reece has been with us since he was 14 and we’re delighted he has accepted the offer to stay. He came into the first team late last season, played in every single friendly over the summer and has started in our first four competitive games this term.
“He is a good defender, very two-footed, athletic and with the potential to continue his development. It’s a big plus for our academy to get players through.
“It’s not always easy to do that but the message is, if you’re good enough, you will get a chance at Raith Rovers it doesn’t matter what age you are.
“We would hope others would see this within our set-up. Reece, at the moment, is flying the flag and we would like others to come to the fore.”