Leighton McIntosh will play for Peterhead in their Petrofac Training Cup first-round tie at Brechin City today but manager Jim McInally has yet to convince the attacker to sign on at Balmoor.
The 22-year-old former Dundee and Montrose forward has played for the Blue Toon in pre-season but McInally faces competition for the player’s signature.
He said: “Leighton will play against Brechin as a trialist but we’ve not managed to get him signed yet. His agent says he has an option for Leighton in England which he is mulling over but we’ve made it clear we want him here at Peterhead and we’re hoping we can get a deal done.”
McInally views McIntosh as the final piece of his jigsaw after a busy summer at Balmoor.
Gary McDonald, Dean Cowie and David Cox have all left the club, with former Hibernian and Caley Thistle defender Ryan Baptie and former Ross County midfielder Scott Ferris joining Elgin City attacker Shane Sutherland in joining the club.
Central defender Ally Gilchrist, 20, has joined the Blue Toon on loan until January from St Johnstone.
He said: “Everyone has been here for pre-season and we’re pleased with what we have. If I get Leighton that will be me done as far as new faces are concerned as I’m content with the squad I have.
“Cowie and McDonald were big players for us but I’ve tried to replace like with like and I’m very excited to see Shane in action as I have high hopes for him and expect him to be a big player for us this season.
“There have been signs of a relationship forming with Rory McAllister and if the two of them can click together we will have a formidable frontline this season.”
Despite Brechin having a new manager in Darren Dods, McInally knows all about the qualities of Brechin.
He said: “There is a good nucleus of players at Brechin from last season and Darren has clearly strengthened well as they beat a strong Dundee team last week.
“Our pre-season has been good but I feel we are maybe a game or two short in terms of our preparation.
“I would have liked another game at least but that has not been possible to arrange and I’ve tried to compensate by putting the players through extra work in training this week.
“But come tomorrow we have to be ready as we know Brechin will be.”