PARS boss Allan Johnston has pulled off a signing coup by securing the signature of Northern Ireland international Dean Shiels.

The 32-year-old attacking midfielder has put pen to paper with Athletic - subject to international clearance - to become the club's fourth summer signing on a one-year deal.

The former Rangers and Kilmarnock player has most recently been plying his trade with North American Soccer League side FC Edmonton - coached by former Pars full back Colin Miller - and had been linked with a move to East End ahead of the recently friendly match with Hibernian.

Johnston confirmed his interest in the player and last week told Press Sport that there were "a few clubs interested" in the player, adding that "he's got ability but is one of a number of players we're looking at".

Experienced Shiels, who has won 14 caps for his country, began his career with Arsenal but made his mark at Hibernian, whom he joined in 2004.

During a five-year spell at Easter Road, he scored 24 goals in 117 games before moving south to Doncaster Rovers in 2009.

He returned north of the border just two years later to join father Kenny at Kilmarnock, during which time the Rugby Park side won the League Cup, before moving to Rangers in 2012.

He played with the Ibrox club for four years until his contract expired in June last year, after which he had spells with Dundalk and at Edmonton.