Thursday, November 21, 2024
SportScottish PremiershipRaith Rovers in talks to sign freed Dundee United youngster Aidan Connolly

Raith Rovers in talks to sign freed Dundee United youngster Aidan Connolly

BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport

Raith Rovers are in talks to snap up freed Dundee United attacker Aidan Connolly for the remainder of the season.

The 20-year-old, who is also attracting interest from at least one Premiership club, has trained with the Kirkcaldy club and discussed a move with manager Ray McKinnon.

(Pic: Raith TV)
(Pic: Raith TV)

The Stark’s Park boss is keen to strengthen his offensive options following the departures this month of Jon Daly and Craig Wighton, and is optimistic a deal can be struck after the youngster negotiated an early release from his United contract, which was due to expire in the summer.

Connolly, whose dad Paddy was a Tannadice team-mate of McKinnon’s, moved to Tayside in 2013 after making his name at Queen’s Park, but has failed to hold down a regular starting place.

He had a brief spell on loan under McKinnon at Brechin City and has made 35 appearances for the Tangerines – but enjoyed just four substitute’s outings after Mixu Paatelainen took over as manager from Jackie McNamara.

McKinnon has been seeking to add a marksman to his squad but admits he would be thrilled if he could secure Connolly on a short-term deal.

He said: “He’s not an out-and-out striker but he’s a front player, he’s clever and he’s really creative, with great feet, and he would create opportunities.

Talented

“He’s a really talented football player and you can’t get enough of them in your team.

“He’s played a lot of first-team games and he would give us loads of creativity up front.

“He’s got real trickery and he keeps the ball great. He would gives us something different and is a real, tidy ball player around the box.

“He’ll chip in with goals as well.

“He wants to play and he’s been in and out at United, but I think he’s really talented.

“Fingers crossed we can get it over the line.”

@IainCollin

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