FERGUS OWENS has revealed that the level of interest shown in him by Michael Tidser convinced him to make the move to Kelty Hearts.

The 20-year-old Hamilton Academical defender arrived at New Central Park on loan last week - as revealed in Press Sport - and made his debut in Saturday's match with Falkirk.

A 5-1 loss to the Bairns at New Central Park wasn't the ideal way for his stint with the 'Maroon Machine' to start, but he is confident he and his new team-mates can go on and enjoy a successful season.

Last season, Owens played 24 times for Accies, with 16 of those apperances coming in the league, as they suffered relegation from the Championship.

This term, however, he has turned out just once for John Rankin's side - in a Viaplay Cup tie with Brechin City - and was keen to make the switch to their League One rivals.

"I've been wanting game time and when I heard Kelty were interested, it was a no-brainer for me," he told Press Sport after Saturday's match.

"I was delighted to come and I'm just glad to finally get the deal over the line.

"The gaffer was telling me how he wanted to play and he said he'd been interested in me.

"He'd seen I hadn't been playing and, when a gaffer's interested in you, really interested in you, then I don't think there's much else to be said.

"I've not been playing, he said I could come in, he'd give me a chance, so I'm happy to be here.

"For about a month or so, he's been on the case, and I'm just glad we finally got it over the line."

Owens added: "Everyone wants to be playing, but sometimes it doesn't work out like that. Now I've got an opportunity at Kelty, so I need to just take it.

"Towards the end of the season I played some games. I had 16-odd games in the Championship, but I'm not that experienced. I'm still young, but hopefully I'll get more experience playing as many games as possible for Kelty."

He added: "It wasn't the easiest game to go into obviously - Falkirk are doing really well just now - but I was up for the test. We didn't get the result we wanted, but I'm just glad to be playing games now.

"Hopefully all the new boys can gel quickly, get a feel for how we do things, and we can only get better from there.

"It didn't take long to get settled in anyway; the lads are all sound. I feel part of the team now.

"I'm really looking forward to it and hopefully we can do well."