East Kilbride boss Chris Aitken says he wants to snap up Neil McLaughlin on a new deal as soon as possible to fend off any suitors who may have witnessed his superb showing in Saturday’s win over Bo’ness Athletic.
The midfielder fired a stunning strike into the top corner before netting from the penalty spot in a 4-1 win to book Kilby’s place in the South Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
That was McLaughlin’s fourth goal in three games and took him up to 18 goals for the season. Only striker Joao Victoria on 21 goals has netted more this term.
So Aitken is keen to get the former Caledonian Braves man on board for next season’s Lowland League title push, after Bonnyrigg Rose were officially declared champions last midweek.
Aitken said:”Neil has been outstanding for me and some of the goals he scores are brilliant.
“The first goal he scored on Saturday was just Neil McLaughlin all over. Nobody else would have tried that, and he’s fired it into the top corner.
“He has goals in his locker and if he’s not scoring he creates them.
“If he’s not scoring then Daniel McManus is chipping in, or Cammy Elliot or Joao Victoria.
“It’s really pleasing. And when Neil has a performance like that, that’s why we need to tie him down on a new contract.
“If he keeps putting in performances like that then there will be teams trying to snap him up.
“So in the next couple of weeks I’ll be looking to get him and a few others signed up.
“If we are going to be up there competing in the league next season, we need the best players and Neil falls into that bracket.
“Hopefully we get things sorted sooner rather than later.”
Meanwhile, Aitken paid tribute to champions Bonnyrigg for wrapping up the title with five games to spare. EK are currently fifth and 16 points adrift of top spot in the standings.
He said: “Bonnyrigg deserve all the credit because they have been the best team in the Lowland League this season – and consistently the best team.
“They will be getting ready now for the play-off with the Highland League team and if they get through that they will have the chance to get into League Two.
“That’s our aim as well so we have to try and do what they’ve managed next season.
“A big well done to them.”
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