Alloa new boy Omar Kader admits the lure of SPFL Championship football combined with the persuasive powers of his new boss were key to his summer switch from play-off final rivals Forfar Athletic.

The speedy forward caught the eye of Danny Lennon as he played a starring role for the Loons against the Wasps in that end of season showdown.

And despite the disappointment of that playoff defeat, he now cannot wait for a crack at the big guns in the division with Alloa especially his boyhood heroes Hibernian.

Kader told Advertiser sport: “I am delighted to sign on at Alloa and after a summer of uncertainty it is good to be here and just get back to playing football again.

“I am playing catch up at the moment because I was late in coming back from holiday, but I have had some good sessions under my belt and so hopefully I can get stronger with every game now.

“It was a weird one for me at first because obviously losing the play-off final from such a strong position was devastating, but to then be given the chance to come and play Championship football here at Alloa was just too good to turn down and I am very much looking forward to it now.

“We have some huge games to come in the division with Rangers and Hibs in the league as well as the likes of St Mirren, Falkirk and Morton.

“I am from Edinburgh and grew up supporting Hibs so it will be a special moment for me to get the chance to play against them. It is such an exciting league and these are the types of games you want to play in.” Kader is now hoping to impress his new gaffer after being sold on his grand plan for his new look Alloa side and he is now desperate to do his bit.

He said: “Alloa is clearly a great club to be at and everyone has made me feel so welcome and I just can’t wait for the serious stuff to start now.

“I didn’t know Danny beforehand, but I spoke with on the phone over the summer. He obviously, has a lot of experience and has managed at a high level so hopefully I can learn a lot from working under him.

“The way he talks to the players and his enthusiasm for the game really comes across. He really likes to get stuck in and get involved with training which is a good thing so hopefully I can work well with him.

“It is always flattering when a manager like Danny wants you at his club; he spoke really highly of the place, and what he is trying to do here so I am just delighted to be here to play my part in that.” The 29-year-old was hacked down by new team mate Graeme Holmes, who was sent off for the offence, back in May, but he revealed the incident is now simply good dressing room banter.

The talented forward also paid tribute to former boss and mentor Dick Campbell for plucking him from obscurity at Lowland League side Spartans and giving him his chance in the professional ranks.

Kader added: “There was no awkward moment between myself and Graeme Holmes. He did apologise to me for the tackle and made his excuses about trying to win the ball, but it was all just in good banter.

“I enjoyed my time at Forfar immensely and I cannot thank Dick Campbell enough because he took a chance on me when he brought me to the club from Spartans and gave me my first chance at this sort of level.

“The whole club have been great with me in my time there, it is a great club and it was difficult to leave, but I wish them all the best for the new season.”