We are delighted to announce the signing of central defender Lachlan Byrd, who joins from Dandenong Thunder in his native Australia.

20-year-old Byrd, who can also play at full-back, put pen to paper on a deal with Airdrie after impressing on trial in recent weeks. The 6’4 defender was previously with his hometown club Perth and has been rapidly gaining admirers as his career in Australia has taken off.

Joining up with his new team-mates, Lachie told airdriefc.com: “My ambitions are to push on and I think Scotland is a good place to develop, and obviously Airdrie is a great club with a great support.

“It was an easy decision to come over here and really test my skills.”

And manager Rhys McCabe was pleased to strengthen his defence.

“Lachie’s a big physical defender who can play right across the back four, he’s quick and strong with good physical attributes.

“He’s only 20, so there’s loads of room for improvement in terms of the bigger picture, and we’re delighted to get him in at this point in his career.”

Welcome to the Diamonds, Lachie!