KELTY HEARTS are hopeful of being able to "bring the best" out of Joe McGlynn after swooping to bring the forward to the club on loan.

On Friday evening, the New Central Park outfit revealed that the 21-year-old had joined until the end of the season, and was immediately handed his debut at Edinburgh City on Saturday.

Warrington-born McGlynn, who has been capped at under-18 level by Scotland due to his Scottish father, joined Burnley at the age of 12 and progressed through their youth system.

During his time at Turf Moor, the forward had loan spells with Oldham Athletic, Hyde United and Kidderminster Harriers before leaving to join Accies last summer.

In his first competitive appearance for John Rankin's side, he netted his first goal in a 3-1 Viaplay Cup group stage victory over Clyde, and went on to score three times in League One, in victories over Alloa Athletic, Annan Athletic and Montrose.

READ MORE: Alfie's treble inspires Kelty to make capital gains with 'professional' City win

He hadn't played for Hamilton since, ironically, a substitute appearance against Kelty in a 1-1 draw two days before Christmas, with his last start coming in a 1-0 loss away to Cove Rangers on November 4.

Michael Tidser, however, handed McGlynn a starting berth in Kelty's 3-0 win at Edinburgh, and afterwards the New Central Park player / manager commented: "I thought he was good.

"He was in and out with Hamilton. You can see he's probably needing a wee bit of match fitness. That's probably why I left him on for the 90 minutes.

"Him and CJ (Craig Johnston) worked ever so hard and they're a real threat in terms of running in behind, he can come short, and I'm really pleased with him.

"I had a wee chat with him there after the game as well and he's pleased just to be out playing football and hopefully we can bring the best out of him."

McGlynn is Kelty's fourth addition in the winter transfer window, following the loan signings of Hibernian midfielder, Rueben McAllister, and defensive duo Brody Paterson and Brad McKay, who joined from Hartlepool United and Falkirk respectively.