Nicol can be the missing link for Maroons
Keith boss backing hitman
Published:
KEITH boss Martin Allan believes new signing Gary Nicol should guarantee at least one of his strikers hits the 20-goal mark this season.
Allan fully expects to complete the transfer of Nicol from Inverurie Locos prior to Keith’s match at Huntly tomorrow.
Given the former Celtic youth previously spent two seasons at Keith before moving to Locos, Allan knows exactly what qualities Nicol possesses.
The Kynoch Park manager is delighted to be adding a natural goalscorer to his squad.
Allan also reckons the added competition for places up front should result in his strikers striving to score as many goals as possible in order to stay in the team.
He said: “Gary was with us before and I know what he is capable of.
“He made the choice to go to Locos when he was out of contract, and it was disappointing at the time.
“But his circumstances have changed and he was very keen to come back to us.
“We didn’t have anybody reach the 20-goal mark last season.
“This summer I signed Gary Harris from Turriff United, while last year I took in Craig Morrison from Lossiemouth.
“I have got strikers who are capable, but it’s just about providing more competition for places so we can get somebody to make sure they are regularly putting the ball into the back of the net.
“Gary’s record at Locos was exceptional, so he is coming off a rich period of goalscoring form which hopefully he can take to Keith.”
Despite hoping Nicol will be in his squad tomorrow, Allan will be without two key defenders for the derby.
Kris Niddrie and Graham Lonie are both working offshore.
Allan admits the duo’s absence will be a blow, while insisting he has the resources to cope.
Allan said: “To have two of the back four out gives us potential problems, but that is what your squad is for.
“We will have boys coming in who will hopefully keep their places, making it tough for Kris and Graham to get back in the team when they return.”
Allan confirmed Sean Keith will be out for up to three weeks with an ankle injury picked up in last week’s win over Forres.
Jonny Watt and Neil Robertson are also injured.
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