NEW boy Andy Ryan admits his Pars move came as a surprise but he’s relishing what he describes as a “great opportunity”.

The 22-year-old striker, who has been tracked by Allan Johnston throughout the summer, was prized away from Airdrieonians on Tuesday morning and made a scoring debut against Arbroath that night, hitting both goals in the Irn-Bru Cup win.

After hitting 27 goals for the League One Diamonds last season, several clubs were credited with an interest in Ryan, who made his league debut for Hamilton Accies aged just 17.

With Dunfermline paying an undisclosed fee to land him on a two-year deal, he’s someone who his new boss rates highly and, speaking to Press Sport after Tuesday’s game, Ryan said: “It came out of the blue for me coming to Dunfermline but once I heard they were interested it was a great opportunity for me at a big, big club.

“It’s been a crazy couple of days. I think the first thing I heard was late Sunday night and then the next thing I know, I was to meet the manager and sign the papers. It’s been difficult maybe for the last month; you’re hearing bits and bobs in your ear but I was still at Airdrie and you’ve got to keep your head down and be as professional as you can.

“I think I did that and gave my all in every single game that I played but when I heard there was interest here, it was basically done and I’m just delighted.

“I had the chance to go back to the Championship last year but I thought the best move for me was to drop down a couple of leagues, go to Airdrie full-time in League One and try and rekindle my career if you like. I think that was the right decision and I’m just trying to work my way back up.”

Ryan, named in the SPFL League One team of the year last season, continued: “It was an ideal start. For me, it was just about trying to feel my way through; you don’t really know how players train or play because I’ve not had a training session yet.

“I think for a centre forward, the first goal you score is crucial because the longer that drags on, the harder you tend to try, so it was great to get my goals. It was a pretty good start.

“The manager here was a big thing for me as well because I think he can help develop me as a player and take me to the next level in my career.

“I’m delighted to be here.”