Search for new striker goes on

Published 29 Jan 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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RUMOUR SQUASHED: Morton boss James Grady has denied any link between St Mirren and Jim McAlister, above right.

Johansson turns down move to Morton

FINNISH international striker Jonatan Johansson will not be coming to Cappielow.

Morton had made an offer for the ex-Ranger, but the 34-year-old has chosen to go abroad for what he sees as his last contract as a player.

Ton boss James Grady said: "He's not coming. He has had better offers abroad.

"It's disappointing. He had a really good offer from us but he wants to go abroad. He sees it as his last contract and we can understand that."

The Morton manager confirmed that he still has other irons in the fire and said: "There are two or three things on the go. We are working hard to get things done, but we'll just need to wait and see."

As for any further departures from Cappielow, Grady said: "That is dependent on what we can bring in. There's nothing at the moment."

The Ton boss also stated that rumours of Jim McAlister signing a pre-contract deal with St Mirren are unfounded. "I spoke to Jim this morning [Thursday] and he has not signed anything with anyone."

McAlister was previously linked with Motherwell when Mark McGhee was manager, leading to further speculation that he may end up at Aberdeen when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

Of tomorrow's match against Airdrie at Cappielow, the manager commented: "We watched them on Wednesday night [when Airdrie lost 3-1 to Raith in the Scottish Cup]. It's a massive game for us. But if the players match Airdrie's work-rate then I believe we have the extra quality to get the points.

"They showed against Celtic that they can do it, and against Raith on Saturday they had to battle to get the result. If they bring that to the table tomorrow it should be enough."

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 29 Jan 10

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