New man von Stryck took part in training today just hours after completing an overnight journey from Africa.

The 27-year-old has only played in his homeland, but has a German passport through his parentage and would not require a work permit.

After looking at trialists from Morocco, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and now Namibia, in the last month or so, Congo international Matingou looks likeliest to become the first to sign.

He impressed during a trial last month, but headed back to mainland Europe when it emerged he had not obtained his release from French outfit Bastia.

That has now been secured and the 26-year-old is being pencilled in for a place against St Mirren reserves at Station Park, Forfar tomorrow. A good performance in that is likely to see the manager move swiftly to fix him up.

It is not clear yet if von Stryck will be involved in that game because another trialist, French midfielder Xavier Barrau was also arriving today and could play — only two trialists can play in a game.

Zimbabwean attacker Brian Badza definitely will not play after picking up a knock in training on Friday.

And unless he can get a game under his belt, Craig won’t consider signing him.

“I’ve been impressed with some of what I’ve seen from him in training, but I would not make a final judgement without seeing him in a game,” explained Craig.

After defeat at the hands of Hibs, Craig will be looking for a return to form against another of his former clubs, Inverness CT, in the Highlands on Saturday.

His squad will be boosted by the return from suspension of Barry Robson, though the gaffer felt his deputy against the Hibees, Craig Conway, was one of the successes in a disappointing afternoon.