PARS GAFFER BACKS FRINGE MEN TO SHINE

DUNFERMLINE manager Allan Johnston has backed his fringe players to plug the gap left by the departure of Farid El Alagui as his side play host to Dundee United tomorrow.

El Alagui turned down the offer of a new contract with the Pars in favour of pursuing a possible moneyspinning move to Asia.

The exit of the former Falkirk, Hibs and Dundee United marksman, who netted four times i n 16 appearances at East End Park, l eaves t he Fifers considering their striking options as the transfer window comes to an end.

But Johnston believes he is already well served in attack and said: “We’re still waiting to see if there are going to be any players who are what we are looking for. If something came up, then we would have a look.

“But we’ve got good players who can step into the striker role.

“We ’v e g o t M i c h a e l Moffat, Gavin Reilly, Nicky Clark and David Hopkirk, as well as some young ones. We’ve got real quality going forward.”

Callum Morris, was handed his second debut for the club in the 3-2 win over Alloa last weekend and the former Dundee United and Aberdeen defender i mpressed Johnston with his display.

The Pars boss added: “I thought Callum Morris came in and played really well on his debut.

“He handled that really well and looked as if he had been there for a lot longer. H e ’s s e t t l e d in really quickly.”