All eyes on McDiarmid trialist

Aug 12 2008 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

DEREK McInnes will monitor trialist Dan Smith in training as the week unfolds.

The former Sunderland and Aberdeen left-back, who featured against Morton at the weekend, secured an early release from Pittodrie.

McInnes was impressed with his showing at Cappielow and yesterday confirmed: “Everyone knows we are looking for a left-back. Dan is one we had earmarked and there was an opportunity for him to come in. Dan had trained with us just twice and he acquitted himself really well.

“He is due to stay with us this week and we’ll take it from there. Dan didn’t do himself any harm with his performance. He did more than okay.”

The 21-year-old defender spent pre-season training with Darlington.

Saints have scope to field free agent Smith three times as a trialist so he could line-up against Dunfermline on Saturday.

Short-term cover signing Greg Kelly turned out in goal for Jim Weir’s Montrose at the weekend as Alan Main returned to the Perth squad.

“Greg has done us a turn but Alan is very influential and important to us. I have nothing but praise for Greg and didn’t hesitate to recommend him to Jim.

“We are trying to get a bounce game lined-up for Alan to play in this week.”

Jody Morris should train today and McInnes hopes he will be joined in the weekend squad by Steven Anderson and Collin Samuel.

Kevin Moon’s hip and groin problems continue to plague him.

Reflecting on the Morton game, McInnes said: “We are a bit deflated losing a goal late in the game. There were plenty of plus points but every point is vital and it’s essential we get that into the players’ heads, especially when we were in charge of the game at half-time.”