Ruari Paton (born 9 August 2000) is an Irish association football player who plays as a striker for Scottish Championship club Queen's Park.
Early life
Paton attended Ross High School, Tranent in East Lothian, before signing a pro-youth contract with Hibernian in Edinburgh.
Career
Paton played for Belvedere in Dublin, before signing for Hibernian as a sixteen year-old. Paton was released by Hibernian without having played for the first-team after three seasons, although he played for Gala Fairydean Rovers during a loan spell. Paton then signed for East Kilbride, before agreeing a two-year contract with Stranraer.
Queen of the South
Paton then signed a two-year contract with Queen of the South in Dumfries, before the start of the 2021-22 season, for an undisclosed fee from the Stair Park club. In July 2021, Paton scored his first goals for the Palmerston Park club in his first two games versus Annan Athletic and Motherwell in the Scottish League Cup. Paton finished the 2022-23 in Scottish football season with 25 goals for the Doonhamers. Paton finished as joint-top scorer in Scottish League One, alongside Calum Gallagher of Airdrieonians and was also named in the team of the season.
Queen's Park
In June 2023, Paton signed for Queen's Park on a three-year contract.
On 25 July 2023, Paton scored four goals versus Elgin City in the Scottish League Cup, his first professional hat-trick and four goal haul in his career.
Personal life
Paton practised Irish dancing when he was a youngster in Dublin and sometimes celebrates a goal with an Irish jig.
Paton was also a breakdancer in his youth.