Striker Dene Shields has returned to Raith Rovers from Sunderland for free two years after leaving Stark's Park for Wearside in a �60,000 deal.

The 20-year-old has been released by the English Premiership club having failed to make a breakthrough into the first team.

Shields had made just one first-team start for Rovers when Sunderland swooped in December 2000.

But he has found himself behind the likes of Niall Quinn, Kevin Phillips, Tore Andre Flo and Scotland striker Kevin Kyle at the Stadium of Light.

Shields went on loan with Scarborough last season and this term had a spell with Doncaster but now has the chance to impress in Fife at least until the end of the season.

Rovers chairman Danny Smith said: "This is a good deal for Raith Rovers.

"We asked about a loan, but there was a bit of haggling, so Dene has signed and we have come to an agreement with Sunderland.

"He was playing in the reserves alongside Kevin Kyle, but he has become homesick."

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Other Scottish transfer news:

• Peterhead have signed striker David McLean on loan from Dundee.

• Alloa Athletic have parted company with assistant manager Graeme Armstrong as a cost-cutting measure.

• Cowdenbeath have released dedender Kenny Munro, forwards John Dixon and Gary Gilfillan, plus midfielder Scott Gibb, having already parted company with Lee Dair, and manager Keith Wright is hoping to complete two more loan signings before the end of the transfer window.

• Inverness Caledonian Thistle have released midfielder Christopher Miller.

• Hamilton Academical have released midfielder Scott Davidson

• Stenhousemuir have released Ally McMillan and the former Morton, Clyde and Queen of the South midfielder has joined junior side Irvine Meadow.

• Stirling Albion have released Michael Easton.