MIDFIELD ace Ryan Stevenson is relishing the opportunity to test himself in Junior Football, after signing on with Troon FC.

The 32-year-old former Ayr United and Hearts star made his debut in the 4-1 home win against Ardeer Thistle in the opening round of the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup.

"Stevo's" deal allows him to play regularly and work in land surveying with chairman Jimmy Kirkwood Snr's firm.

He told Sportscene: "I have not played at this level or seen many games. I know a few of the boys, including Dean Keenan. There is a good bunch of boys so there's no reason why we can't go on a decent run. The main aim is to stay in the Premier Division. It's a new challenge, but something I'm looking forward to.

"When I retired from professional football I didn't take the decision lightly. I have been a professional for 17 years."

General manager Jim Kirkwood is looking to finish the season very strongly by winning honours.

He said: "We have had a few issues of boys not delivering the goods but we are here to win trophies. There's one objective - we have five games in the Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup, five in the West of Scotland Cup and four in the league and the aim is to win them all and then it will have been a great season."