Peterhead boss admits Nicky Riley departure is a big loss

Peterhead manager Jim McInally has admitted losing Nicky Riley has been a major blow for his side.

The 28-year-old had joined the Blue Toon from Dundee on a one month’s loan.

But when that deal expired on Tuesday, the Dens Park club terminated Riley’s contract by “mutual consent”.

The attacking midfielder cannot sign for another team until the transfer window opens in January.

McInally says he will try to bring Riley to Balmoor when the window opens again.

But he is not confident about his chances. He said: “That is Nicky out of football until January, which is a big blow for us.

“I will try to get him when the window opens in January but I am not hopeful.

“He will be available to everyone then, so it will be very difficult.”

However, McInally has managed to bolster his squad ahead of this week’s match against Dunfermline.

The Blue Toon have signed Dundee’s 19-year-old defender Cammy Kerr on a one-month loan.

He added: “We are a bit short of defenders so hopefully he can come in and play a part.”