DUNFERMLINE have this morning announced the signing of Airdrieonians striker Andy Ryan.

The 22-year-old has penned a two-year contract as Allan Johnston continues to add to his squad before the transfer deadline.

Ryan, whose previous clubs include Hamilton Academical, Forfar Athletic and tonight's Irn-Bru Cup opponents, Arbroath, has joined for an undisclosed fee and the Pars are hopeful he will be registered in time to make his debut tonight.

Chairman Ross McArthur said: "Andy had one year left on his existing contract at Airdrie and had attracted a lot of interest from a number of other clubs this summer, after being the top goal scorer in Scotland last season, so we are delighted he has agreed to move to East End Park."

Johnston has been tracking Ryan for some time and a number of clubs have been credited with interest in him.

After making his debut for Hamilton as a 17-year-old, Ryan spent five seasons with the Lanarkshire club, making 92 appearances and scoring nine goals.

After loan spells with both Brechin City and Arbroath during his time at Accies, Ryan signed for Forfar in January 2016 and hit the net nine times in 16 games, including in a 2-2 draw at East End after Pars had clinched the League One title.

He moved to Airdrie that summer after the Loons' relegation and excelled last season, smashing in 27 goals for the Diamonds, and arrives after scoring in his last appearance for them in Saturday's draw with Arbroath.

Ryan's arrival is Johnston's sxith summer signing, following the captures of Jean-Yves M'Voto, Declan McManus, Aaron Splaine, Dean Shiels and Fraser Aird.

A statement on Airdrie's website said: "The club can confirm that Andy Ryan has signed for Dunfermline Athletic for an undisclosed fee.

"There had been a number of bids from several clubs over recent weeks, however none of these met the valuation of the Airdrieonians Board.

"A revised offer was made on Sunday by Dunfermline and after due consideration the Board felt that it was in the interests of the club to allow Dunfermline to speak to the player.

"Andy had a medical late last night and the paperwork was completed to allow him to move to Dunfermline."

Thier chairman, Jim Ballantyne, added: "Whilst in the short term this is a blow, the deal on offer was at a level that could not be declined.

"We have to be honest and clubs at our level are 'selling' clubs and every player has a price. We are content that price was achieved."

"I would like to thank Andy for his contribution and wish him well for the future."