Ross County aim to complete the loan signing of Slovakian right back Erik Cikos before the January transfer window shuts tonight after under-20 coach Barry Smith was confirmed as Alloa manager.
Staggies manager Derek Adams is keen to broker a deal with Slovan Bratislava for the 25-year-old in time to field the defender against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park tomorrow.
Adams dismissed reports linking midfielder Rocco Quinn with a move to English League 1 club Swindon Town but did confirm Smith’s Victoria Park departure. Cikos could be County’s seventh and last signing in a busy January.
Adams said: “We are still working on a deal to get Erik to the club on a loan move for the rest of the season. We will wait and see if we can get that done before Saturday’s game.
“Erik is good going forward, an attacking right full back. He is quick and strong as well.
“He has a good pedigree playing for Slovakia at all age groups (from under-18 to 23 levels). That will be us finished if we can do the deal for Erik.”
Adams will allow players to leave or go out on loan if the terms are agreeable before the window closes.
The only definite departure is former Dundee manager Smith, who is the new manager of Cham- pionship side Alloa.
Adams added: “I am delighted Barry came here and worked with the under-20s. He has a good opportunity to move to Alloa now where he becomes manager in the Championship – back to managing on a basis where points mean everything.
“We are disappointed to see him go. We will have a chat about who takes on the under-20s role now.”
Dutch winger Darren Maatsen will not play at Rugby Park due to an ankle injury, while Steven Saunders faces another week out with a hamstring injury.