Dene Shields today (Thursday 11th January) moved from one end of the country to the other as he completed the switch from Gretna to Ross County. The 24 year old forward spent the first of the season on loan at 2nd Division Stirling Albion, where he scored 9 goals in 20 appearances, but having failed to establish himself at Gretna he has come north with the aim of regular first team football.

Just one of a family of talented footballers (father Lex played at Alloa while Dene’s younger brother Jay is a highly rated prospect at Hibs), Dene started his career at Raith Rovers where he was spotted by Sunderland. At just 18 he moved to the Black Cats for a fee of £60,000, but he didn’t settle south of the border and after spells at Doncaster and Scarborough he moved back to Scotland where he had spells at various Clubs before signing for Gretna from Cowdenbeath for a fee of £30,000.

Able to play as an out and out striker or at right wing, Dene has a good understanding of the game and a desire to compete for every ball which make him a welcome addition to the squad.

Rising Celtic star Diarmuid O'Carroll has today (Friday 05/01/07) signed a loan deal bringing him to Dingwall for the rest of the season. The highly rated 19 year old striker, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at all levels up to and including under 21's, is a welcome addition to the squad where he will link up with fellow Celt Michael Gardyne.

Earlier this week another loan deal was concluded with Liverpool, acquiring the services of defender James Smith until the summer. The 21 year old, who has already featured in the Carling Cup this season for the 2004/2005 Champions of Europe, has been a mainstay of the reserve team at Anfield thanks to his ability to play anywhere across the back but has come to Dingwall with an aim to gaining valuable first team experience. James made his debut on the 2nd of January against St Johnstone where he supplied the cross from which Don Cowie scored County's only goal in the narrow 2-1 defeat.

The transfer window has also seen two players depart. Gary Irvine has opted to return to Celtic to push for first team football, and although we are of course sad to see Gary go we would like to take this opportunity to thank him for the outstanding contribution he has made to the team during his time here and also to wish him all the best for his future career. Likewise we would like to thank Amick Ciani for his efforts on behalf of the team, who has also left the Club following the expiry of his contract at the end of December.

The management team continue to work behind the scenes in an attempt to strengthen the squad, and are hopeful that there will be further arrivals at Victoria Park in the next few days.