Kyle McAusland is determined to make his mark at Alloa Athletic after becoming the latest recruit to the Danny Lennon rebuild at the Indodrill Stadium this summer.

The former Rangers trainee, who can play in a number of positions in midfield and defence, brings a verstatility to his new side, but he is hopeful of nailing down a place in the manager’s starting 11 as the new SPFL Championship season looms large.

The young defender is looking forward to working under his new gaffer and revealed he was sold on a move to the Alloa by Lennon’s vision for the club.

McAusland told Advertiser sport: “I am delighted to join up at the club and it is great to get back into pre season because you definitely miss it when you’re off. The gaffer had phoned me and convinced me to join. I was happy to get a deal done and now I can’t wait for the season proper to begin.

“I haven’t worked under him, but came up against him with Rangers when he was at St Mirren so I am looking forward to working with him. First impressions obviously mean a lot and he seems like a manager I am going to enjoy working under.

“He is the type of character that if you give him 100 per cent then you will get that back from him, so it is good to know you have a manager who will motivate you for the remainder of the season.

“There is a big appeal once again for players to come and play in this division with Hibs, Rangers and St Mirren all in the league. It is a good opportunity to play against some big clubs in a highly competitive league and showcase what you have got.

“I am comfortable in a number of positions, right back or centre midfield are my two preferred positions, but I can also fill in elsewhere if needs be. The challenge for me this season is to nail down a position and performing consistently at a good level.” McAusland was delighted to be greeted at the club by a few familiar faces of former team-mates and hopes it will help him to settle quickly into life in Clackmannanshire as the pre-season friendlies get underway in front of the home crowd on Wednesday when Edinburgh City are the visitors.

He said: “There is a good bunch of boys here who I am still getting to know, but I am familiar with one or two already. Steven Hetherington was with me at Rangers and I also played alongside Colin Hamilton at Brechin. It is looking like a strong squad here, but it is still early days.

“It will be nice to get into the game on wednesday against Edinburgh City and blow some cobwebs away as we continue our preparations for the competitive stuff getting under way. I am sure it will be a good test for us because they will be organised and come here with nothing to lose from the game.” The 22-year-old admits he gave a wry smile when he saw that his former side Rangers would be the opponents for his first home league tie for the club, but he insists all friendships will be put to one side until the points are decided in a tough opening spell for the Wasps.

McAusland added: “When the fixtures come out it is always the bigger team games that you look out for first so to get Rangers in our first home game will be a nice for me.

“It is funny how these things work out, and it will be nice to see a few familiar faces, but the friendships go out the window once the whistle blows.

“We have a really difficult start to our league campaign, but we know that confidence will grow from a few good results and that will be our aim.”