Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has offered a contract to Dutch forward Alex Schalk after he impressed on trial with the Staggies.
Schalk is a former Netherlands under-21 international who has trained with the Dingwall side in recent weeks following his departure from Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles. He played in Tuesday’s 6-0 Development League defeat to Falkirk.
McIntyre is keen to add another attacker, with Craig Curran still sidelined by a head-knock sustained in a 4-0 victory against Kilmarnock in August, and youngster Kyle Macleod on loan at Elgin City.
But McIntyre says he will not rush Curran’s return, which has prompted his move for 23-year-old attacker Schalk.
McIntyre said: “With Craig, we’ve just got to wait. He still has the odd dizzy spell. He is improving and it’s not quite as frequent. In that regard, it’s getting better but it’s a slow-burner.”
Midfielder Martin Woods will also miss tomorrow’s Highland derby encounter against Caley Thistle due to a knee injury, with McIntyre hopeful he will return after the international break.
Captain Andrew Davies will be absent following his red card in last weekend’s 3-3 draw against Dundee at Dens Park, but McIntyre says Scott Boyd is a ready-made replacement, adding: “Scott has done great so I’ve no concerns. We know he is a top professional and never lets us down.”
McIntyre earlier this week played down speculation linking him with the vacant Dundee United
position following the sacking of Jackie McNamara.
Former United forward McIntyre reckons the talk is a sign of how well the Staggies have started the campaign, with County currently fifth with 15 points from nine games.
McIntyre added: “Any time a manager is doing well, they’re getting linked and, obviously, I had a long-standing association with United – it’s a fantastic football club.
“If the team is doing well, the manager gets the praise and speculation happens. It’s part and parcel of the job. I’ve stated on record I’m happy where I am. Whoever gets the job, it’s a great club.”