LARGS Thistle have netted an experienced forward with a Scottish Cup winning pedigree after a treble signing swoop.

Thistle have confirmed the signing of experienced left sided midfielder Keir Milliken, who has won the Scottish Junior Cup twice with Auchinleck Talbot and lifted the Premier Division title five times.

Keir originally hails from West Kilbride and now lives in Largs.

Thistle have also signed Corey Hughes, a former Greenock Juniors player who has featured for Kilbirnie Ladeside in recent seasons.

The club's third big signing is a familiar face in Graham Muir, who has returned to Barrfields for the third time in his career. Muir has already made 214 appearances for Largs and has scored many important goals for the club over the years.

Manager Stuart Davidson said: "I am delighted with the three signings - and there are more to come.

"I have been working on securing these players for a while so it is great to have it all finalised."

The prize capture for Thistle is 32-year-old Milliken, who has won nearly honour there is to win in the junior game.

Davidson said: "I just missed out playing with Milky and I have tried to bring him to Largs in the past so I am delighted to finally get my man.

"He has great experience with some of the top clubs in Ayrshire and I know he is still hungry for success.

"Milky will provide great competition with Ben Black and Scott Adam and it gives us plenty of options. He can play on the left or up front and I am sure he could even to do a turn on the right if need be.

"He brings a wealth of experience to the side and that will be very good for the younger boys like Will Sewell and Ben.

"Milky has a winning mentality and that is very much what I am all about too. That will rub off on the younger players."

Davidson also hailed the return of Muir.

He said: "Bringing back Graham Muir is fantastic as he brings steadiness and has a lot of good experience. He is someone who loves the club.

"He is always good for nipping in and scoring a crucial goal, winning a penalty or setting up a move.

"Graham maybe one of the elder statesmen in the side but he is fit as a fiddle, as fit as some of the young ones in the side. It is great to have another midfielder on board."

Hughes is in his mid-20s and featured for both Greenock Juniors and Kilbirnie Ladeside in recent seasons.

Thistle have been tracking the centre half for some time after he received a man of the match award for one of his performances against Largs last season.

Davidson said: "We tried to bring in Corey a couple of years back. He has played a lot of games at Ladeside and has done really well there.

"He is another centre half and just what we needed. He has a bit more experience than some of the younger guys we have in defence. He is athletic and good on the ball and it will add some more competition to the backline. He is very versatile and can play at full back too.

"Corey has improved a lot in recent seasons after a good grounding in the Premier League and has a great attitude."

And Davidson is expected to reveal more signings during the coming week.

The club has also confirmed its involvement in the new West of Scotland under-20s development league which will be taking place on Fridays and are in the process of approaching a coach for the role.

Davidson said: "I will be taking a big interest in the development league and will be attending the games myself to keep an eye on future talent for the side.

"Both our squad and the development squad will be training on the same night and it will good to be working together."

The development squad are looking for boys born on or after January 1 2001 in all positions and will hold trials when guidelines allow.

For more details, go to the club website www.largsthistle.org.uk

Pix: John Keachie/Ryan Scott Photography/Evening Times