Rory Loy

Rory James Loy (born 19 March 1988) is a Scottish former professional footballer now working as a football commentator on radio and television.

He last played for Scottish League One side Dumbarton.

He has previously played for Rangers, Dunfermline Athletic, St Mirren (two spells), Carlisle United and Dundee and Falkirk (two spells).

Loy has also represented Scotland at under-21 international level.

Loy was born in Dumfries on 19 March 1988 and grew up in the town of Stranraer and the village of Sandhead.

He attended Sandhead Primary School and Stranraer Academy.

Loy began his career with Kilmarnock in 2004 aged fourteen before being snapped up by Rangers for £20,000 in 2006.

In October 2007, Loy signed a one-year extension to his Rangers contract to remain at Ibrox until the summer of 2009.

He made his first team debut in a Scottish Premier League match against Inverness CT on 1 November 2008, coming on as a substitute in the 56th minute.

In March 2009, having impressed on loan, Loy signed a further two-year extension to his Rangers contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2011.

In December 2008, he joined Dunfermline Athletic on loan until 26 January 2009.

After the move, Loy revealed it was a chance he could not turn down.

Loy made his debut, several days after joining the club, coming on as a substitute for Andy Kirk, in a 2–1 win over Queen of the South and scored his first goal for the club on 17 January 2009, in a 1–1 draw against Airdrie United.

His loan was then extended till the end of the season.

Having agreed the loan extension, Loy believed it could help him earn a first team place when he returned to Rangers.

Later in the season, Loy scored two more goals in matches against Partick Thistle and Morton.

On 29 January 2010, Loy joined Scottish Premier League rival St Mirren on a six-month loan deal.

He made his debut as a substitute for Garry Brady, in a 1–0 loss against Hamilton Academical on 2 February 2010.

However, Loy was not in the starting line-up regularly, due to a virus he suffered along with team-mate Paul Gallacher, John Potter and Lee Mair.

On 28 January 2011, English League One side Carlisle United announced the signing of Loy on a permanent deal from Rangers on a two and a half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

After the move, Loy stated he had to leave Rangers to help revive his career.

Loy made a slow start for the club, but on 1 March 2011, he scored his first goal and set up a goal for Ben Marshall, who then, in turn, set up a goal for Loy, in a 3–1 win over Charlton.

In the Football League Trophy Final, Loy played the final two minutes after coming on as a substitute for Tom Taiwo as Carlisle United beat Brentford.

With lack of first team players, Manager Greg Abbott promised that he would give Loy and Paddy Madden first team opportunities next season.

In his first full season, Loy scored three goals before his season was ended, when he suffered a broken leg on Boxing Day in a fixture against Preston after a nasty challenge from David Gray, which led to a nine-minute delay during the match.

Loy's injury would lead the club to suffer a strikers crisis.

His injury resulted in undergoing surgery; which was successful.

His injury also led to Preston wishing Loy a speedy recovery, when the caretaker manager visited him.

Two months later, in mid-February, Loy managed to walk without using crutches.

The next season, Loy would spend five months on the sidelines after having another setback due to injury.

On 31 December 2012, Loy made his first appearance since his injury, coming on as a substitute for Brad Potts, in a 1–0 loss against Crewe.

Upon his return, Manager Greg Abbott said Loy has returned more sharp and positive.

At the start of February, Loy scored against Tranmere Rovers, Stevenage and Portsmouth in three consecutive games.

After scoring in one of the matches, Loy says was delighted to make his return and that his absence helped him appreciate playing first-team football.

At the end of the season, Loy was among seven players to be released, upon the expiry of their contract.

Days after his release, Loy attracted interest from a number of teams, according to his agent.

While Loy, himself, says on Twitter: "Met some people and made some memories at #cufc that will stick with me forever. Two years gone by in a flash. Loved every minute. Some real nice messages from the #cufc fans. Nice touch and always nice to know you were appreciated. Thank you."

In July 2013, Loy started training with Scottish First Division side Falkirk and played as a trialist in a friendly against Forfar, scoring both goals as the Bairns won 2–1.

He also played in Falkirk's 2–2 friendly draw with Dunfermline.

Loy signed a two-year contract with Falkirk on 31 July 2013.