Championship title challengers Raith Rovers have announced the signing of former Hibs and Dundee United midfielder Sam Stanton on a two-and-a-half-year contract after leaving Dundalk in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
The 27-year-old also had a stint playing in the United States with Phoenix Rising in the USL Championship – the second-tier of the US league system.
Rovers boss John McGlynn was delighted to welcome Stanton to Stark’s Park as he prepares for a potential debut on January 2 when they face Fife rivals Dunfermline, saying: “Paul Smith and I are delighted to announce the signing of Sam Stanton on a 30 month contract. Subject to International clearance being granted on January 1st 2022, Sam will be available for selection from the New Year derby match on 2nd January 2022 onwards.
“Sam has gained great experience both here in Scotland – where he came through the youth system at Hibs, and then playing with Dundee United – before going to the States and up until recently playing in the Republic of Ireland with Dundalk,” McGlynn said.
“He comes to us as a central midfielder who has been playing regularly at a high level, and will settle in very quickly at the club.
“Sam is a gifted footballer who has a great range of pass, and will go from box to box. He is a great age and has gained tremendous experience which we can benefit from.
“Sam was also on loan at the same time as our own Lewis Vaughan at Dumbarton – Lewis spoke very highly of their time playing together there, and we can’t wait to see Sam in a Rovers jersey playing his football and helping the club push on in the second half of the season”.
Stanton is a former Scottish youth international and made over 50 appearances for both Hibs and Dundee United before trying his luck abroad.
His time in America was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic but saw him help Phoenix Rising to the USL Championship final, having won the Western Conference, before the final was cancelled a few days before it was due to take place.
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