Alistair Roy moves to Sligo from Hearts on loan until June

Sligo Rovers have confirmed the signing of Heart of Midlothian’s Alistair Roy on loan until 30 June.

The 20 year old, who can play up front or on the wing, made his debut for Hearts’ as a 17 year old for the Scottish Premiership side earning a new two year contract with his parent club last year.

“I think he’s a fine addition to our group and now we have competition in that area,” Sligo Rovers manager Gerard Lyttle said speaking to the club’s website.

“That’s absolutely vital for me because we didn’t have it in a lot of positons last season.

“I don’t want any player to think that they just have to do a minimum to get their place. There is more work being done to add to the squad with the plan to it being the case in other positions and we hope to have news over the next few days on that.

“Ally is coming here to play games and further himself with a view to possibly getting in that Hearts squad next season, a really big club in Scotland. It’s good business for us and we’re thankful to Hearts as well for making it happen.”

The Airdrie born forward began his professional career at Hearts’ but has spent the past number of seasons on loan where he has progressed through the lower divisions appearing for East Stirlingshire and Stenhousemuir.

Roy went on loan to Scottish Championship side Dumbarton at the start of the current season where he scored three goals in 25 appearances for The Sons before returning to Edinburgh in January.

"I'm really looking forward to it. I don't want to sit on the bench, I want to be playing games, and that's why I was happy to come to Sligo because there is a great chance to get more experience and impress people,” the player told sligorovers.com.

"I did well at Dumbarton which was another level up and I want to do well here and help Sligo have a good season. I've spoken to people about the club in the last few days and they say it's a great club.

"I've played most of my career as a striker but I've been converted to the wing recently. I play either or to be honest. The first game is just a week away and I want to be involved from the start so I'm looking forward to Saturday week already."

The loan move is pending international clearance but Roy will have his first chance to impress his new manager when Rovers play their final pre-season friendly on Saturday, February 10^th against Cabinteely in the Showgrounds (kick-off 3pm).