KEVIN O'HARA came back to haunt Alloa on Saturday, but the striker couldn't contain his gratitude with the club for helping his career.

O'Hara, the Alloa Supporters Club and Alloa Advertiser's Player of the Year last season, joined the Wasps from Falkirk as boss Peter Grant's first signing as manager.

He would score on his debut in the Betfred Cup and totalled 14 goals in total, including two goals in three consecutive games in January on the way to winning the Championship Player of the Month.

After scoring a hat-trick against his former club on Saturday, O'Hara said: "It was unfortunate it was against my old club, but I was just happy to score my first goal.

"Obviously I can't speak highly enough of [Peter Grant], last year he helped my career massively and I can't thank Alloa enough."

O'Hara was released by Falkirk at the end of the 2018-19 season and the 21-year-old suddenly found himself without a club.

He signed for Alloa in an effort to kickstart his career and he made no secret of the fact he always wanted a move back to full-time football.

He added: "My time at Falkirk wasn't the best and I came to Alloa and dropped down to part-time just to play games every week and that helped my career massively.

"Getting the confidence to play week-in, week-out and I got my move back full-time which I always wanted.

"Everyone at Alloa knew that and as soon as the offer came they never stood in my way and like I say I can't thank them enough."

Peter Grant added: "I'm absolutely delighted for Kevin; he was magnificent for us last year and he earned his move. His work-ethic, his professionalism; I couldn't believe we got an opportunity to have him last year.

"The players respected what he done for them because he started a bit slow in goalscoring terms but we know what he offered the team and that's what disappoints with the goals because you know he's going to chase, you know he's going to get behind.

"I was hoping after today his career kicks on because he's a fantastic boy and a fantastic professional, I couldn't speak highly enough of him if I'm being perfectly honest."