BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
RAITH Rovers boss Gary Locke is on the verge of sealing a deal for a new defender and will make up his mind on two trialists this weekend.
The Stark’s Park manager has been running the rule over French-Irish striker Joel Coustrain and out-of-contract Reading attacker Tariqe Fosu in training this week.
The pair both featured in Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw with Partick Thistle and Locke has admitted he has been impressed so far.
Limerick-born Coustrain, 20, is a product of the Sheffield United academy and has featured for the Republic of Ireland at youth levels, whilst Fosu, also 20, netted four times in nine starts on loan with Fleetwood Town and Accrington Stanley last season.
Locke will again run the rule over the duo in tomorrow’s friendly against Arbroath and has promised a decision after the trip to Gayfield.
He said: “Two trialists played the other night and we’re pleased with how they did.
“They’ve spent the week with us and they’re going to be with us again on Saturday. We’ll have a look at them again and then I’ll make a decision on them after the game on Saturday.
“They’re both forward players, which is pleasing, because we’ve not got many of them.”
Meanwhile, Locke is poised to snap up a mystery defender after losing former Celtic stopper Lewis Toshney to Dundee United recently.
He added: “We’re hoping to announce a signing within the next 24 hours. We’re waiting on one or two things happening there.
“Things are moving along, not as quickly as myself and Darren would like, but every manager I speak to is in the same position at the moment.
“With Toshney leaving, I felt we needed a replacement in that area, so I’m hoping that will happen.”
