AYR United have completed the signing of Rangers defender Jordan Houston on a two-year deal.

The full-back moved to Somerset Park on loan in the summer and the Honest Men have now paid a nominal fee to make that switch permanent.

Houston made his debut for Steven Gerrard's side in the Scottish Cup win over Cowdenbeath last term but has failed to make the breakthrough to the first team squad this season.

The 19-year-old has been an impressive performer in the Championship, though, and boss Mark Kerr is delighted to have him tied down for an extended period.

Kerr said :”As soon as we knew there was a chance we could get Jordan for longer there was no doubt in our minds.

"We are always thinking about longer term and building plans and Jordan is very much part of that. Probably a month or so ago the fans thought there was a chance we could lose Jordan and Stephen Kelly in January however both of them are loving their time here and wanted to stay.

"He is young and still has a lot of improvement in him. He works hard, is powerful and has real pace. Jordan has had an excellent grounding coming through the youth system at Rangers so he doesn’t have many bad habits.

"I would like to thank not only our Board of Directors but the AU500FUND who’s recent donation to the club contributed to being able to make this deal happen.”