ATHLETIC defender Kyle MacDonald has joined former club Airdrieonians on loan for the rest of the season.

The 22-year-old, who moved to East End from the Diamonds last January, returns to the North Lanarkshire club to aid their promotion push from League One.

MacDonald has made 15 appearances so far this season for the Pars, six of which have been since manager John Hughes was appointed as manager in November, but was an unused substitute for Saturday's draw with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

He becomes the sixth player to depart Dunfermline in the January window, following the exits of Vytas Gaspuitis; on-loan trio Mark Connolly, Kai Kennedy and Ross Graham; and Craig Wighton, who joined league rivals Arbroath on loan until the end of the season.

Hughes has brought in Coll Donaldson, on loan from Ross County, and Steven Lawless and is hopeful of doing further business before the transfer window closes next week.

The Pars boss has arranged a bounce match with Falkirk tomorrow (Tuesday) and Press Sport understands he could take a look at some trialists during that game.

Speaking to Airdrie's website, MacDonald, who goes into their squad for their match at Clyde tomorrow evening, said: "Seeing Airdrie doing well was a big factor in coming, so I’m looking forward to it and can hopefully start with a win tomorrow.

“At Dunfermline I’ve been playing at wing-back and I’ve even played right-wing this season, so I do see myself as quite versatile in where I can play.

“Hopefully I can help us go that one step further and get to the Championship this season.”

Diamonds boss Ian Murray added: “I’m really glad we’ve got Kyle in, it’s been a little bit of a waiting game for different reasons.

“He knows how we like to do things and he knows a lot of the guys, so it’s good to get him back. We’ll hopefully get him plenty of minutes on the park, and he’ll add real strength to our squad.

“He offers great athleticism and he’s improved on the ball since he left here, so we’re really looking forward to working with him again and it gives the players a little bounce as well.”

Airdrie, who were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Dunfermline's conquerers, Partick Thistle, on Saturday, are second in League One, eight points behind Cove Rangers with a game in hand.