Airdrie United looking to keep Ryan Donnelly

Dec 14 2011 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

Ryan Donnelly

BOSS Jimmy Boyle says Airdrie are in no hurry to sell star striker Ryan Donnelly.

The Diamonds gaffer has confirmed that clubs have expressed an interest in the prolific 20-year-old from Rochsoles.

But Boyle told Advertiser Sport that there was nothing in the pipeline in terms of a potential January transfer at this moment in time.

The manager admits he would love to see Donnelly, who has scored a staggering 20 goals in 21 games, move on to a higher level.

However, he’d equally enjoy the prospect of having the talented hitman at his disposal for the rest of the season.

And Boyle reiterated his desire to keep Donnelly, who is contracted to the club for another two years, for Airdrie’s Irn-Bru Second Division campaign.

He said: “The situation is that Ryan is not desperate to leave – and we do not want him to go.

“Ryan’s goals tally is fantastic. He is scoring regularly and getting sharper. He’s working so hard.

“The big thing for him is that he is playing first-team football every week in his favourite position.

“It’s where he is most effective and it’s how we get the best out of him.

“Ryan has applied himself in the right way and should act as an inspiration to other young players.”

One player who has left the club is ex-Ayr United winger Ally Woodburn after making only two appearances in just over four months.

The manager, who admitted he would love to keep on-loan Hamilton Accies winger Willie McLaren to the end of the season, added: “Ally couldn’t get over his injury problems.”

*This week’s Airdrie United lottery numbers are as follows: 14, 23, 29 and 31. The draw is sponsored by All Waste Recycling & Hire Ltd of Carlisle Road, Airdrie.

*AIRDRIE under-19s have been knocked out of the Scottish Youth Cup after a 6-1 defeat to Livingston in the fourth round.