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.
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.”
