Elgin City hope to have another local hero in their ranks in former Ross County teenager Joel MacBeath
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ANOTHER local boy in the Elgin City camp, Joel MacBeath wants to become a home favourite with the Borough Briggs support.
Signed from Ross County last month, the 19-year-old striker had spent the last 12 years at the Dingwall outfit before finally signing for his home SPFL club.
He joins Moray boys like Brian Cameron, Darryl McHardy, Rory MacEwan and Tom McHale in a squad which has shifted its balance to the north in recent times.
"I’ve been doing a pre-season with Darryl just now and I just want to meet the rest of the boys soon," he said.
"I obviously know Darryl and guys like Russell Dingwall who I played with at Ross County.
"When I was at County, I would try and attend any Elgin games I could with my pals, some of them being big Elgin fans.
"I remember I came to watch the game against Cowdenbeath when it got postponed when there were stones on the pitch.
"I did manage to see a few of their games last season with my pals. I will get to see their faces more often if I'm playing for the team."
MacBeath came through school football at Bishopmill Primary and Elgin Academy, and played alongside goalkeeper Tom Ritchie, who was signed by Aberdeen and has played as a Scotland schoolboy international.
"There were some good players but Tom was the one who has done well for himself. He's in a good position right now."
On loan at Montrose last season, he played ten games at League 1 level which he sees as being no difference from League 2, where he will feature for Elgin.
"I know League 2 will be tough and I wouldn’t underestimate any team at that level. It’s not a significant drop, it will be tough but I feel I’m more than ready for that."
