Mixed fortunes on deadline day

Published 2 Feb 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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Deadline Drama: Morton sealed one signing but had another bid refused.

Morton last night completed the signing of versatile left-sided player Kevin McKinlay, 23, until the end of the season.

Boss James Grady confirmed that the former Ross County and Partick Thistle man had impressed sufficiently in training and in a bounce game against Scottish champions Rangers to earn himself a deal until the end of the season.

Grady also confirmed that Ton had tabled a bid for a striker, but that bid had been refused by the club in question.

However, Ton also have another striker on trial, who can be signed outside the transfer window because he is a free agent.

Grady would not be drawn on the names of the players last night for fear of jeopardising the deals.

Grady intends to take a look at the striker in a bounce game against an SPL club this week before making a final decision on whether to offer him a contract.

Grady said last night: "It's just been carnage so far today. I have not been off the phone all day.

"It's all happening at once, but deadline day is like that. All you can do is ask clubs and players and if you get the wrong answer you move on to plan B - or C, or D, or E!

"We are looking at two strikers and are only waiting on international clearance for Kevin McKinlay.

"He is a left-sided player, he can play anywhere on the left of the pitch, but we are looking at him playing him at left-back.

"He has been at Chelsea, Partick Thistle, Ross County and Dundalk."

McKinlay's record with his previous clubs is: Ross County (63 appearances, 6 goals), Partick Thistle (54 aps, 6 goals) and most recently in the Irish Premier League with Dundalk (14 apps, 0 goals). The Irish League is currently on its close season and Morton snapped up the chance to take McKinlay on trial - and he has left Grady in no doubt he will instantly improve the Morton squad.

Grady said: "He really can play absolutely anywhere on the left-hand side. Left-back in a 4-4-2, left wing-back in 3-5-2 or even on the left wing of 4-3-3.

"He can give us that balance maybe we have been lacking down the left.

"He is an aggressive boy, strong in the air and strong in the tackle.

"He is only 23 and will improve, plus he already has decent First Division experience under his

belt.

"We have had a look at him in training and in a bounce game and were impressed enough to offer him a deal.

"It's only until the end of the season but I think that is the best decision for both parties.

"If he is hungry and plays well then he can earn a longer contract.

"I think he is someone who can have an impact on the first team immediately."

The departure of Brian Wake left fans concerned about having only three strikers but Grady has moved to quell those concerns by attempting to lure strikers to the club.

Grady said: "We are also looking at a striker we have had in training for a week. He is a free agent so there is no pressure to get a deal done straight away.

"He has looked the part so far but he still has to convince us to offer him a deal.

"We have organised a bounce game against a Premier League side during the week and we will take a look at him again then."

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