Whitecaps add Canadian international defender Fraser Aird in loan deal

VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Whitecaps added Canadian international Fraser Aird on a season-long loan deal with Scottish giants Rangers F.C. on Friday.

The 20-year-old defender, who can play right back or as a winger, will join his new teammates Saturday before the club heads to Arizona to continue pre-season training.

Aird’s acquisition is pending the receipt of his international transfer certificate and medical.

“He is a bright young Canadian talent with great energy in his play and great character,” Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson said in a release. “He is still learning the game and hopefully we can help his talent progress.”

The Toronto native joined Rangers’ youth system as a 16-year-old and has amassed 12 goals in 85 appearances.

The Whitecaps have been looking for depth at right back since Steven Beitashour was traded to Toronto FC, leaving Vancouver with Jordan Smith as the only other option.

“Hopefully I can come in and help the team and improve as a player,” said Aird, who made his senior international debut for Canada last year. “I’m looking forward to meeting up with the group and getting started right away.”