​Stenhousemuir sign central midfielder Lewis O’Donnell from Dundee United

The 21-year-old is new Warriors manager Marvin Bartley’s seventh signing of the summer ahead of their upcoming William Hill Championship campaign.

O’Donnell had been at Tannadice Park since he was a youth, going senior in 2023, but he’s spent most of the last three years out on loan at Kelty Hearts, Queen of the South and Cove Rangers.

Fielded as a trialist by Stenny during their 2-1 win away to Brechin City on Saturday, he’s also played eight games for Scotland’s under-17s.

“Lewis is a player we looked at when I first came into the club and we held conversations with him at that time,” said Bartley, 40.

“Unfortunately, things didn’t align at that stage, so it was put on the backburner.

“During that period, I kept in touch with Lewis and he was always very transparent and respectful.

“Martin Christie must also take some credit as he kept in contact with Lewis’s agent and advised that we could look to strike a deal. He was very persistent. That meant we were able to put ourselves in a position to bring Lewis to the club, and I am absolutely delighted.

“I watched a lot of footage of him playing for Cove last season and he was instrumental in so much of their attacking play. I can’t wait to see him playing for Stenhousemuir.

“Fitness-wise, he has missed pre-season with us but has been in America, so that will put him in good stead going forward.

“He played 25 minutes as a trialist against Brechin at the weekend and you could see his quality.

“Once he is fully up to speed, Lewis will be a huge asset and will work well with his teammates.

“He is a very exciting attacking player.”

O’Donnell is glad to have arrived at Ochilview Park, saying: “I am delighted to sign for Stenhousemuir.

“I’m looking forward to officially getting started with the boys and helping the team enjoy another successful season, as they have done over the last few years.”