NEW signing Max Kucheriavyi will give the Kelty Hearts squad "a wee lift" as they aim to close in on winning the League Two title.

Kevin Thomson spoke glowingly about the 19-year-old, who joined the club on loan until the end of the season from St Johnstone on Monday, following Tuesday night's crucial derby victory over Cowdenbeath.

Kallum Higginbotham's late penalty, won by substitute Kucheriavyi, saw the league leaders bounce back from their weekend defeat to nearest challengers, Forfar Athletic, and move nine points clear at the summit with a game in hand.

The Ukrainian player's impact delighted Thomson, who also revealed that the club were unlikely to take further advantage of clubs outwith the Premiership being able to sign players on loan until the end of the month.

"We were highly recommended him," the manager told Press Sport post-match.

"Andrew Barrowman (sporting director), the committee, Dean (McKenzie, general manager), done us a turn putting players towards us. We felt we needed just a wee lift for the squad. We felt like we needed an extra body to give us a wee bit excitement to get bums off seats.

"We're not playing in front of 50,000 but I'm pretty sure the faithful that come and watch us enjoy people like (Jamie) Barjonas, Joe Cardle, Kallum – the attacking players. Every footy fan's a sucker for somebody that can skip by people.

"He's made a good start but hopefully we can utilise him until the end of the season."

Thomson's opposite number, Maurice Ross, was adamant that referee, Steven Kirkland, got the penalty decision wrong, accusing Kucheriavyi of simulation.

When asked what he made of it, Thomson continued: "It would be great to have replays and VAR, but we're in League Two unfortunately!

"I'll trust wee Max. I'm delighted with the impact he made. I thought he looked smooth; he's a great talent and we're delighted to have him. I thought just how fast he travels, how he moves the ball and his balance, is always going to put pressure on defenders.

"We're delighted to get it. Minus the penalty, we felt that we should've put the ball in the back of the net two or three times before that anyway.

"It's a massive three points. We were massively disappointed after Saturday. I felt we had enough chances to probably win the game on Saturday but, ultimately, we fell short. I think tonight, the way we played, the way we passed the ball, was more what we looked like.

"I'm delighted for the boys. Mo Ross is a good manager, he's got a good group of players, and they're on a right good run to be fair to them, so we knew it would be difficult, but ultimately I felt like we got what we deserved.

"I felt the boys showed good belief, a great mentality and great character to keep on going and, ultimately, we're going to need that for the next 12-13 games.

"Winning leagues and being up there in the top end when the business end of the season comes, you need big personality. I've said to them before, and I don't mind using the expression, you need big cajones to win titles and the boys are going to need to bubble what I saw tonight and make sure that we keep on going."

When asked whether Kucheriavyi would be his last arrival before the loan window closes, Thomson, who hopes to have Harrison Clark back in training within the next week, added: "Unless you ask and Barra and Dean for some more money then it looks like that might be it aye!

"We're delighted with the squad that we've got, but we just felt like we could do with a wee fresh face to give us a wee lift, so hopefully Max can be that."