Shels' Harris heads to Pars

Dunfermline have signed Welsh defender Jamie Harris from eircom League side Shelbourne.

The 6ft 4in central defender – who also played for Swansea, St Patrick’s and Bohemians – has signed an 18-month contract with the Bank of Scotland Premier League bottom side.

The 27-year-old’s arrival comes after fellow defender Greg Shields tore his hamstring.

Pars boss Stephen Kenny told www.dafc.co.uk: “He is a big lad, a commanding player who plays mainly at centre-back.

“He was spent five years in Ireland initially as a centre forward and is very comfortable in possession. At 27 he is a good age for a centre-back and I am happy to get him on a free transfer.

“We have defenders only one or two yellow cards away from suspension, Souleymane Bamba has a groin injury and with Jim Hamilton’s knee problem Jamie will give us another option.

“I have never managed him before but look forward to getting him match fit in a couple of weeks.”