DELIGHTED loan star Luke Donnelly had a debut to remember after climbing off the bench to score and help Alloa Athletic on their way to a 4-0 win over Albion Rovers last weekend. 

The talented striker joined the club on loan from Celtic last week and revealed how team mates Connor McManus, Michael Duffy and Calum Waters sold him on the move to the Wee County.

The goal was extra relief for the young Celt after being out of football since January with a knee injury and he now hopes he can kick on and help the Wasps’ push for promotion.

Donnelly told Advertiser Sport: “It was a great debut for me and I really enjoyed it. 

"Obviously, I wasn’t sure how much game time I was going to get having only joined on Friday, but I was delighted to be able to come on and make an impact.

"The most important thing for the team was that we kept up the winning run and with Livingston dropping points as well then it really was the perfect day for us.

“I always knew I would be going out on loan to get some game time this season because I missed a lot of football with me being out injured.

"I was out injured for the last six months of last season so I have only just came back to full fitness and played a few friendlies.

"It was pleasing to get the move done so quickly and hopefully I can play my part for the team now as we look to get promoted. 

“The winning run has obviously stemmed from the togetherness in the dressing room and you can sense the positive atmosphere immediately coming into the place. I spoke with both Connor and Michael and they only had positive things to say about the club and especially about working with the manager. 

"They only had a few months working with him, but said it was excellent so that put my mind at ease about the move. 

“I then spoke to Calum on the Thursday before it was finalised and he told me about all the boys were and how good training was so that made the move a no brainer for me.

"You can see the way the club is set up and organised so professionally that they are now reaping the benefits of that and I can’t wait to play my part in helping the club have a successful season.”

Donnelly wasted little time in making an impact as he scored within minutes of coming off the bench to grab the Wasps’ crucial third goal to help clinch all three points.

That goal was only his second ever senior goal, but he reckons it is his most important goal to date. 

He said: “It is just great to be back playing competitive football after missing six months through injury. Hopefully now I can stay injury free and kick on now.

"The goal was a great boost for me and it was a great ball into the box from Calum and I don’t normally score many headers, but I was just happy to be in the right place at the right time.

"I scored one for East Stirling when I was on loan there a few years ago, but it was a bit of a meaningless goal. This one is the first one that came at a crucial point in the game and helped seal the win so I am pleased with it.”

The Wasps now take on East Fife in the Irn Bru Cup this weekend at the Indodrill Stadium and the 20-year-old cannot wait to build on his debut.

Donnelly added: “Everyone just wants to keep this winning run going now and the confidence is high so I don’t see why we can’t go and do that against East Fife. We go into every game believing in ourselves and the manager’s game plan. 

"I would obviously love to make another decent contribution and hopefully I can add to my goals tally as well.”