Albion Rovers boss Brian Reid says he couldn't say no to Hearts' Harry Stone once the young goalkeeper became available on loan.
The 19-year-old is rated highly at Hearts and is contracted to Tynecastle until 2023. But with minutes limited due to the form of number one Craig Gordon and a loan to Partick Thistle that didn't work out, Stone has returned to Rovers.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Cliftonhill and kept four clean sheets in 13 impressive outings.
Reid's number one this season - Cammy Binnie - has impressed with Chris Smith as his deputy. But Binnie should relish the challenge of competition while Smith is set for a loan spell, according to Reid.
He said: "Harry is one that I had been trying to get at the start of the season. He had come in and done so well for us, so Hearts knew we would be interested in him if he became available.
"We understood that he went to Partick Thistle. We knew the situation but he's come back to Hearts and then he became available. We already have a very good goalkeeper in Cammy Binnie.
"I've said to him that he has been doing well but we need competition for places. We now have two excellent goalkeepers and young Chris Smith is a good goalkeeper too.
"We will maybe try and get him out on loan as it isn't a benefit for him to sit on the bench every week and not play.
"It's competition and hopefully this can push both Cammy and Harry on to perform to their best and keep the jersey. When Harry became available, it was a no-brainer to bring such a good prospect into the club."
Reid says that Stone's instant impact on loan last season was a big factor behind the move: "We know what he came in and did for us last season. We have been delighted with Cammy Binnie and he is a good goalkeeper.
"He's come in and did well but when Harry became available, that competition is important. I think this will help Cammy improve and it will probably sharpen him up to fight and try and keep the jersey.
"For me, it can do us no harm to have two excellent goalkeepers. We are delighted to get Harry and Cammy knows there's a challenge on."
Stone ended his Thistle spell after four appearances this season as Hearts are keen for him to play every week - but Reid says that isn't a guarantee.
The Rovers boss added: "There's nothing in the contract on that. Of course, Hearts want him to play and he did play most of the games he was here for last season before picking up a wee injury.
"There are good people at Hearts and they know how this works. It's a challenge for both goalkeepers to win that number one spot - and you would expect both of them would know that.
"They are good professionals and they are fully aware of that."
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