Formartine United are closing in on a new signing ahead of Saturday’s Highland League Cup semi-final against Rothes.
Former Ross County defender Ruari Fraser has featured for the Pitmedden club in as a trialist during pre-season and has impress manager Paul Lawson.
Boss Lawson, a former Staggie himself, hopes to have the signing of the 19-year-old completed before this weekend’s League Cup last four clash with Rothes at North Lodge Park.
Fraser was released by Ross County during the summer and has now decided to attend university in Aberdeen.
The player, who has prior Highland League experience as a result of a loan spell with Forres Mechanics, has impressed Lawson during pre-season.
He said: “He’s played a number of pre-season games for us as a trialists.
“We’re hopeful of having that signing done by the weekend. Ruari’s a young lad with good potential and speaking to former colleagues at Ross County he was rated highly.
“But with the other players in his position it may have been hard for him to break through.
“And Ruari has decided to go to university and further his education which shows you the measure of the lad. I think that’s brilliant and shows what a sensible head he’s got on his shoulders.
“He’s come in and his attitude has been spot on from the first day he came in and he’s worked really hard and those are the players you want to work with and he’s slotted in well in the games he’s played.
“Richard Brittain and Don Cowie spoke highly of him and they felt he could add something to ourselves.
“He’s come in and fitted into the group really well and hopefully we can have that sorted out in time for Saturday’s game.”