FIFER Brody Paterson has said the opportunity to return home is an "added bonus" after completing a move to Kelty Hearts.

The 22-year-old, who was born in Kirkcaldy and was once on the books of Dunfermline as a youth player, made his debut during Saturday's Scottish Cup tie at Ayr United after agreeing a loan move from Hartlepool United.

Paterson was one of two signings made by Michael Tidser ahead of the game at Somerset Park, with Brad McKay, who had a spell with the Pars in 2016, also signing on a temporary arrangement until the end of the season.

READ MORE: 'It's mistakes': Tidser assesses Kelty's cup exit at Ayr

After penning his first professional contract with Celtic in 2018, the full back had loan spells with Queen's Park and Airdrieonians, before joining Hartlepool in 2022 on a two-year deal.

Current Cove Rangers manager, Paul Hartley, took him south of the border, but the club were relegated from EFL (English Football League) League Two last season.

This term, Paterson has made 13 appearances for the Vanarama National League outfit, and he told Press Sport of his move to Kelty as a "really good opportunity".

However, when asked if the chance to come back to his roots played a part, he commented: "It was more a bonus.

"I've been away from home pretty much my whole career so far, so it was something that was an added bonus.

"Obviously, I knew that they liked to play football and it was a young team. They like to play football the way I like to play football, so it was one that just made sense, and that was an added bonus on top of it.

"I was in and out down at Hartlepool and I'm at the stage of my career where I just want to be playing every week.

"I think that's the best thing for me, to further my development, so it seems like the perfect opportunity to hopefully get as many games as I can until the end of the season.

"It was through my agent. I was looking to come back up on loan to Scotland and when I heard Kelty were interested, it was one that really excited me, and I thought it would be a really good opportunity for me, especially being a local boy.

"It was a really good opportunity and one that I'm looking forward to.

"The standard in training's been very good and I liked everything that the gaffer told me coming in. I was really impressed. Hopefully we keep the standard up to the end of the season."

Despite being on the wrong end of a 3-0 defeat to Championship Ayr at the weekend, Paterson believes there's reasons for optimism as his new side target a strong second half of their League One campaign.

"I was really impressed. Obviously I've trained all week, and it's my first game with them, but I was really impressed with all the boys, especially the younger lads," he continued.

"I thought they controlled the ball really well and really popped it around. I want to get as many games under my belt until the end of the season, and hopefully get a few goals and assists. If I keep getting into attacking areas I'm sure I'll do that.

"We can only rid the defensive mistakes that led to the goals and build on the attacking positives that we had from today. That will stand us in good stead coming back into the league campaign."

Tidser, who said he was hopeful of making another addition to his squad this week, added: "The two of them are experienced, especially Brad. Brad's played enough games across all the divisions in Scotland.

"Brody's one that I know can handle the ball, he defends well, he's quick getting forward to support.

"Logan Chalmers (of Ayr) is a good player, but I thought for spells he did really well against him. For two of them making their debut, I thought they were confident. It just builds confidence now going into the business end of the season."