Queen of the South recruit three young players

Brownlie joined Cowdenbeath last summer

Queen of the South have recruited three young players previously with Motherwell, Livingston and Cowdenbeath.

Central defender Darren Brownlie, 21, made 27 appearances in the past season as Scottish Championship rivals Cowdenbeath were relegated.

Midfielder Shaun Rutherford, 18, played 14 times as Livingston avoided the same fate on the last day of the season.

Striker Steven Higgins, 19, leaves Motherwell having failed to break into the Premiership club's first team.

Brownlie is also a product of the Fir Park youth system and had spells with Ayr United and Partick Thistle before joining the Blue Brazil last summer after a loan spell from the Firhill outfit.

Shaun Rutherford has come through the youth ranks with Livingston

Queen of the South manager James Fowler said: "Brownlie is someone I know well having played with him for a short spell.

"He's just turned 21, a very good age to come in and play and he can only learn from the experienced defenders we already have in the squad.

"Rutherford is a player who impressed me when I watched him last year.

"He's only young, but hopefully he can play his part next season.

"As for Steven Higgins, he's a young forward who is quick and has an eye for goal."