HIGHLY-rated former Falkirk skipper Aaron Muirhead has  been snapped up on a deal until the end of next season by Ayr United.

And he is set to be pitched straight into the squad for tomorrow night's visit of Dundee United.
Somerset Park manager Ian McCall has moved to strengthen his defensive options after Falkirk made their club captain available.    
The 28-year-old from Dumfries was briefly part of the Ayr United Football Academy U19s as a youngster before joining Annan Athletic, where he made his senior debut in 2009.

After three seasons and 100 appearances for the Galabankies in the Third Division, Partick Thistle handed Muirhead the opportunity of full-time football, a chance he grabbed with both hands, making 29 league appearances in the Firhill club’s First Division title winning season, 2012/13. 

Following a further 18 months playing in the SPL with Thistle, Muirhead moved to join Falkirk in January 2015, at the same time as Mark Kerr. The pair were part of the Bairns side that recorded back-to-back second place finishes in the Championship. 

As well as being a uncompromising defender, Muirhead is a deadly penalty taker and has an unenviable record from the spot.

McCall said: “With Michael leaving at the end of the season we had to ensure we added someone in that area and Aaron can play centre back and cover at right back or in the centre of midfield. He was an ever present in the Thistle team that won the league and when Falkirk were challenging at the top for several seasons.

"Falkirk have had a tough 18 months and he just needs a fresh start. Again he is exactly the type of boy I want in our squad and he will be a real asset.”

Aaron goes straight into the squad for Friday night’s fixture at home to Dundee United.