BY DARREN JOHNSTONE @CCP_Sport
Stranraer manager Brian Reid insists Willie Gibson is capable of producing the magic that can unlock the Celtic defence after signing the winger on an 18-month deal.
Gibson has returned to Stair Park six months after following manager Stevie Aitken to Dumbarton.
The 31-year-old is available to face the Hoops in Sunday’s televised Scottish Cup fourth round tie after missing the Sons’ cup victory over Alloa last month.
And Reid believes Gibson has the ability to give Ronny Deila’s side a torrid time this weekend.
Reid said: “I know Willie well, I was a senior player at Queen of the South when he started his career there as a teenager and I played alongside him.
“He is the type of player that can win the game on his own, he’s got great ability and hopefully he will do well.
“He is certainly a talented player, he’s matured over the years and he played well for Stranraer last season.
“Willie’s available for selection but whether he starts or not is a different story, he’s just come into the squad and the boys that we’ve got have done well in the last few weeks.”
Reid, meanwhile, was last night continuing his search for a goalkeeper after being plunged into a crisis in goals.
With David McGurn out injured, Reid only has 18-year-old Max Currie as back-up – with keeper coach Eric Phillips on standby for a place on the bench.
Reid added: “It’s ongoing. You can ask me anything about any keeper in Scotland and northern England and I would be able to tell you anything about them.
“I’ve just not got there but we’re working on it.
“If it had been a league situation it would have made it more simple but then you have the cross border thing and there are so many rules and regulations with emergency loans.
“It’s not as simple as people think but I’m hopeful of bringing someone in.
“That’s no slight on young Max. He’s only 18 and a bit young and experienced, that’s nothing he can address.
“We have high hopes for Max but 18 for a keeper is very young.”
