DARREN Mitchell insists he can be a Premier League goal machine after signing on at Cumnock this week.

The 33-year-old - who enjoyed a brief loan spell at Townhead Park two seasons ago - quit Girvan after 16 years to team up with former boss Brian McLuckie.

And the bustling hitman - who cracked in 22 goals for the District League side last season - is convinced he can succeed in his first shot at the junior game’s highest level.

Speaking to the Chronicle this week, he said: “I am really looking forward to the challenge and can’t wait to get started.

“I’ve had 15 or 16 seasons at Girvan and have always been really loyal to them. I played my first game when I was 15 or 16 and then played every season after that. But I appreciate I’m not getting any younger and reckon this was the chance to test myself in the Premier League.

“I was capped for the Scotland juniors five years ago and have confidence in my ability. I’m sure I can score the goals at this level.

“Girvan have only ever reached the First Division but the gaffer knows what I can do and knows my game well from his time there.” Mitchell hit three goals in four games before a hamstring injury cut short his loan spell in the 2012-13 campaign.

And he admitted the permanent move from South to East Ayrshire could have happened a season earlier.

He added: “Brian wanted me last season as well but I decided to have another season at Girvan. I felt it was the best thing for them and myself and it suited me because I’m a local boy and can fit things around my job.

“But this time I decided it was the time to leave and I’ve chosen Cumnock. I can’t wait to get started.” And Mitchell - who played alongside former Ayr striker Michael Moffat for five seasons - reckons he can be the perfect foil for pint-sized duo Stephen Maguire and Robert Love.

He added: “I can give them a physical presence and help out with the smaller boys up top. The gaffer knows my strengths and he’ll be able to play to them.

“It should work for everybody.” The arrival of Mitchell and fellow striker Paul Quinn has given McLuckie a totally new dimension for the coming season.

And he said: “These two are totally different to what we had before and are that bit taller and will strengthen our attack and give us a different option.

“We’re working on some other deals and hopefully I can announce some new signings fairly soon.”