FRENCH Under-21 international and former Hearts ace Christian Nade has signed on for the season with McBookie Premiership newcomers Troon.

And he is hoping to keep the Seasiders in the top flight after making his first appearance as a signed player in their 3-0 defeat away to Kilwinning Rangers on Saturday.

But he he hit out at the awarding of the second penalty for Buffs following a handball by skipper Dean Keenan.

Nade, who has been playing as a Trialist since the pre-season and won the Championship with Dundee, has fitted in well to the set up at Portland Park.

Asked how his move came about, he said: "The assistant manager Matt Maley contacted me about joining Troon, I worked with him when he was a coach at Stranraer. I have had interest from a senior club but am happy to be here and hope to stay for a while, hopefully for the season, although you never know what can happen in football.”

Of the game the player, who turns 34 next month, said: “We had a chance to score through Jamie Martin before they got their first goal. But for the third goal there shouldn’t have been a penalty and there shouldn’t have been a free-kick which led to the penalty.”

However he added: “Kilwinning are the best team we have played so far this season. I am surprised at how high the standards are in Junior football.”

Troon boss Jim Kirkwood was disappointed with the result.

He said: “We knew it would be hard. In the second half they went 1-0 up and we missed a chance to equalise but they went right up the park and scored. But I think the third goal was a disgrace and we won’t count it. They shouldn’t had a free-kick as Dean Keenan won the ball and it shouldn’t have been a penalty. The referee told us at Beith the other week f the ball hit a hand on the wall he wouldn’t give a penalty yet it was awarded on Saturday."

But he added: “We couldn’t have had a harder start than playing the top four, we have competed well so far this season and Kilwinning are one of the best teams in the league and they will challenge at the top, I am sure of that. It’s going to be a tough game at Glenafton on Saturday but I don’t think it will be as difficult as this one."

Kirkwood is pleased to have Nade on board and said: "Christian has a lot of experience and has fitted in really well with the other guys."