BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Edinburgh City have completed a major signing coup after snapping up former Celtic and Scotland striker Craig Beattie.
City, who are preparing for their maiden campaign in the SPFL after winning a historic promotion to League 2 last term, have handed Beattie a one-year deal and he could make his debut against St Mirren in the Betfred Cup on Saturday.
The 32-year-old was most recently on the books of Stirling Albion, where he scored six goals in 23 appearances last term.
Beattie, who boasts seven caps for Scotland, turned out for West Brom, Preston, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, Swansea and Watford after leaving Celtic for the Hawthorns in a £1.25 million deal in 2007.
Returning north of the border in February 2012, the experienced forward represented Hearts, St Johnstone, Dundee and Ayr before last season’s stint with the Binos.
Beattie is already a firm favourite in one half of Edinburgh following his exploits for the Jambos, scoring the winning goal in the 2012 Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic, teeing up their famous 5-1 triumph over Hibs to lift the trophy.
Meanwhile, City have also bolstered their options between the sticks after swooping to sign former Hibs goalkeeper Calum Antell.
The 24-year-old was capped by Wales at under-19 level and enjoyed loan stints with East Stirlingshire, East Fife and Queen of South during his time at Easter Road. He spent last season in the Highland League with Nairn County.
The duo join fellow new signings Dean Cummings – brother of Hibs hit-man Jason – Neil Martynuik and Ryan Porteous.
