| Top target McHale will get a central midfield berth after his proposed summer move from Clyde was brought forward and he put pen to paper on an 18-month contract today.
Boss Alex Rae is keen to avoid putting too much pressure on the 25-year-old former Ranger, but having attracted the attention of a number of SPL clubs, there is no question he is the Dark Blues’ major transfer window capture.
“It’s not about No. 1 targets — we have a list of about 20 players we feel could do a good job for us and, in Paul and Kevin, we have brought in two of them,” said Alex.
“There are others we would like to get before the window closes, but it is fair to say Paul was high up on the list. He’s in the squad and, obviously, has a good chance of playing.”
On paper, McHale would appear to be a straight replacement for Alex, who is serving a one-game ban, but the gaffer did not see things that way.
“I would not read too much into the fact I am suspended, because I missed a game and then did not play in the midfield last week, so he will not be a straight replacement for me. I’ve few options and I’ll consider them all before I decide which way to go.”
Despite those notes of caution, there is no question of McHale not starting, and Sunderland teenager Smith is also being pencilled in for 90 minutes.
“Kevin has looked sharp in training and has a chance of making the team. We’ve brought him here to play and he’ll be involved.”
And, while victory tomorrow would make it nine points from nine against the Diamonds, Alex knows any reward his side gets will be hard earned.
“We beat them 1-0 at Dens not too long ago and should have won by more, but they still made it hard for us and, down there earlier this season, we were probably a bit lucky to win because we were not at our best.
“Tomorrow, I am looking for a performance, because I believe that’s what will be needed to get the points.”
Meanwhile, the Dark Blues may have added yet another face to their squad by tomorrow, although whether or not he, or any of his team-mates see action, could be in doubt.
The man in question is 20-year-old Rangers reserve striker Bob Davidson, who is on the verge of joining up on loan.
He is a player the manager knows well from his own time at Ibrox and, if the deal goes through, he will be added to the squad.
The biggest obstacle to Davidson, or any of the new signings being handed a debut, could be the weather.
Today, the New Broomfield pitch was waterlogged following days of heavy rain and there will be an initial inspection this evening.
With more downpours forecast for the next 24 hours, there has to be a serious doubt about the game going ahead. |
