Saltires star Gordon Goudie last night completed a surprise move to West of Scotland and vowed to help the Hamilton Crescent club reclaim their top flight status.

Seamer Goudie believes the switch from Stoneywood-Dyce will also help him rebuild his big-time career.

The 20 year-old returned to Stoneywood last season after an ill-fated spell in county cricket with Middlesex.

However, he has fought his way back onto the fringes of the Scotland squad and is ready to kickstart his career at West.

Goudie declared: "It's obviously a bit of a wrench to leave Stoneywood-Dyce which is my home town club.

"But I've taken a lot of advice about the move and I believe going to West will be good for me.

"Ian Young, their new captain, is a good pal of mine and has big ambitions for the club. I also spoke to Dougie Lockhart (the West and Saltires batsman) and he is convinced they can go straight back up to the premier division.

"That was a big factor in my decision as well."

Goudie, who was included in the Saltires side for Tuesday's abandoned pre-season fixture at Durham, was first capped as a 16 year-old schoolboy but has made just eight international appearances since.

He added: "I'm keen to play at the highest level possible and going to West should help me achieve that."

The Partick club, relegated last season, open their first division campaign against West Lothian at Boghall on 26 April.