KELTY HEARTS have bolstered their squad ahead of tomorrow's derby with Cowdenbeath by snapping up St Johnstone's Max Kucheriavyi.

The Ukrainian attacking midfielder, 19, has joined on loan at New Central Park until the end of the season.

Kucheriavyi had been on loan at Highland League Brechin City - who lost to Kelty in the League Two play-off final in May - for the first part of the season, scoring nine goals in 19 appearances.

The Kiev-born player, who has represented his country at youth level, signed a three-year professional contract with Premiership Saints in the summer, having initially arrived in Perth in 2020.

Following their loss at St Mirren in the Scottish Cup, Kelty boss Kevin Thomson had said he was open to adding to his squad, with loan deals available for clubs outwith the top flight until the end of the month.

He said: "We’ve had a wee bit of bad luck, as it’s been through the course of the season, so we’ll assess it, see if there’s anyone available to see if we can bring in to help the lads get over the line."

Kelty go into tomorrow's game six points clear of nearest challengers, Forfar Athletic, at the top of the table, with two games in hand following their weekend defeat at Station Park.

Cowdenbeath defeated Elgin City 2-0 to move to within six points of their ninth-placed opponents, and have three games in hand.