DUNFERMLINE manager Allan Johnston admits he is bracing himself for offers for Scotland under-21 defender Ryan Williamson this month.
The full-back has been linked with interest from Hibs this week as the Easter Road outfit try to cope with injuries to skipper David Gray and Steven Whittaker.
Williamson, who has made his international breakthrough this term after impressive displays at right-back, agreed a contract extension with the Pars earlier this season, tying him to the Fife club until May 2019.
However, with Derby County also reportedly tracking his progress, Johnston accepts there are likely to be potential suitors considering a move for the East End Park youngster during the transfer window.
He said: “That’s the problem in January, you’re always going to have big clubs looking at your good players.
“And Ryan has certainly been one of them – he’s been fantastic this season.
“Going forward, he’s always been really, really good, but defensively this season he’s been solid.
“You can just see how much he’s progressing every year, so it’s no surprise that bigger clubs are looking at Ryan.
“I don’t think there’s been any contact from Hibs, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s teams looking at him, because he is a good player.”
SIGNING
Meanwhile, Johnston is poised to add to his squad ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Cup clash with Morton.
The Fifers are currently short of options in midfield after Aaron Splaine broke his leg and, with former Rangers and Queen of the South keeper Lee Robinson having joined on New Year’s Day, Johnston is keen to do more business before the transfer window shuts.
With the incoming player understood to have been released by a Championship rival this week, Johnston added: “We’re hopeful of bringing someone in before Saturday’s game.
“But we’re hoping to bring in more than just the one.
“We’ve brought in Lee Robinson so far, but we’re hopeful of getting in a couple more over the next couple of weeks as well.”
