NEW signing Coll Donaldson insists that Dunfermline’s league position didn’t put him off joining the club – but the presence of his former gaffer helped persuade him.

The 26-year-old, whose former clubs include Livingston, Queens Park Rangers, Dundee United and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, signed a loan deal until the end of the season from Ross County on Monday.

It is a move that reunites the North Berwick native with Hughes, with whom he worked last season in Dingwall, avoiding relegation from the Premiership.

Donaldson, who has made just four appearances for the Staggies this season, having picked up an injury that sidelined him until last month, told Press Sport: “I’m delighted to be here and get the chance to work with the manager again.

“I worked with him for six months last season and we finished on a really good note. We won our last three league games to stay in the Premiership.

“I’m just really looking forward to getting back to work again. It’s been a long season so far and I can’t wait to help the group.

“I spoke to the gaffer throughout December and he was keen to get something done.

“He is infectious. He is all-action and wears his heart on his sleeve. It is what it says on the tin; the gaffer is straight-talking and I like that. He has a good outlook on the game, bags of experience and played in the same position as me.

“I’m always looking to improve. You never stop learning. No-one in Scotland is at a level where they don’t need to improve. He fills you with confidence and, if you do well for him, he’ll back you to the hilt. I want to work for people like that.”

When asked if the club’s position at the wrong end of the table made him have second thoughts on joining, Donaldson replied: “I’ve played in this division.

“I played in it for a year at Dundee United and two-and-a-half years with Inverness. I know the bottom side can beat the top side.

“The team who goes up – or stays up – will be the team that gets that consistency.

“A couple of months ago, Dunfermline were 1-0 down at half-time to top-of-the-league Inverness. They won 2-1, without a manager! That’s the nature of this league and, if we can get consistency, then we’ll be alright.

“But it’s easy for me to say we’ll be alright. It’s about putting that into practice and doing what the gaffer asks.”