No rush for McKinnon in search for a striker

DUNDEE United boss Ray McKinnon’s search for a new striker is continuing but he does not expect to add to his squad before Saturday’s trip to Dumbarton.

While Ray still has the option of an emergency loan open to him, he is now likely to wait until the transfer window opens on Sunday before he makes another firm move to bring someone in.

And he’s stressed he may take some ti me yet before doing business.

Over the course of this month, Ray has spoken to both Celtic and Hearts about strikers Nadir Ciftci and Conor Sammon.

Ciftci could still be a possibility if he’s not secured a permanent move away from Parkhead towards the end of the month, while United are no l onger pursuing a deal for Sammon.

Before swooping for anyone else on a loan deal or a permanent contract, Ray is determined to do his homework and make sure he gets the best man available to push the squad on.

“We’re not close to anything right now, but there are options,” he said.

“We’ve potentially got another two trialists coming in at some point later this week or the start of next week.

“Hopefully, we can have a look at them but we won’t rush into anybody.

“It’s so difficult to get somebody at this time of year, especially the right person.

“If they are at clubs and generally not playing that’s why they’re up for loan.

“And if they’ve not got clubs that’s for a reason, so it’s so difficult.

“We might take two or three weeks and we’ll have to be patient.

“The January window is littered with bad signings and you can get desperate.

“We’ll try to make the right decision — we have to.

“Sometimes later in the month people come available who weren’t available earlier and sometimes if you make the wrong signing you can’t go back.

“It’s such a tricky one because you can wait until the end of January and get nobody.

“You just need to hold your nerve.”

Away tickets at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium are now sold out for Saturday’s match.

The game’s officials have been announced and Stephen Finnie will referee with Sean Carr and David Burns assisting.

United were reportedly interested in signing Hearts’ Conor Sammon.