CHAMPIONSHIP
CRAIG STEWART
ALLOA may have exited the Scottish Cup at the weekend, however they still have 16 cup ties to play according to manager Peter Grant starting tonight against visitors Arbroath.
Saturday’s 3-2 knockout from Inverness Caledonian Thistle still rankles with Grant however the prospect of his bottom placed side moving to within one point of Partick Thistle is both he and his players.
Grant said: “We played really well against Inverness and losing was sore as we fought back twice before being punished for a lapse of concentration. We created lots of chances however their goalkeeper Mark Ridgers was tremendous and we are out.
“It is good to go again so quickly. We have 16 cup ties left to get the points we need to stay in the Championship. Last season nothing was decided until the final day and that could be the case again this year.
“We are four points behind but our plan is to defeat Arbroath and get closer to Partick. Winning this game would give us a platform to try and get above them at the weekend as well as pulling ourselves closer to four other teams that could be in the mix.”
In Arbroath, Dick Campbell is hoping that new signing Dale Hilson will help the Red Lichties score more often in the Championship.
The Gayfield manager recruited the 27-year-old for a sixth time at the weekend from Forfar and he is set to feature against Alloa, with Campbell saying: “When I was at Forfar I took Dale on loan four times from Dundee United and signed him permanently as well. It is great to have him on board again as I know what he can do for us.” lift
IAIN COLLIN
DONIS AVDIJAJ has revealed the chance to work with countryman Daniel Stendel was key to him sealing a move to Hearts.
The Germany-born Kosovo internationalist has become Stendel’s first signing after penning an initial six-month deal. The 23-year-old attacker flew into Edinburgh for talks after agreeing to terminate his contract with Trabzonspor on Friday.
Avdijaj joined the Turkish side last summer on a oneyear agreement, which had the option of a further three years, but he has cut short his stay with the Super Lig outfit in a bid to kick-start his career in Scotland.
The former Germany youth forward is well known toAvdijaj Stendel thanks to a prolific spell coming through the ranks at Schalke 04, who reportedly inserted a £41million release clause in his contract after apparent interest from Liverpool.
However, after loan spells with Sturm Graz – where he helped the Austrians secure Champions League qualification – and Roda JC, and a permanent switch to Willem II in the Netherlands, the versatile winger has become the first new recruit of the Stendel era at Hearts.
He said: “I’m really happy to be here. The important thing for coming to Hearts was the coach and I’m happy we can work together.
“I know him from before and as soon as I came here I was very happy because the people here are great, they are very helpful and I haven’t had that in every country I’ve been before. I had it in Austria but I don’t know this, where the people are so happy and lucky and try to help everyone. I like this mentality here and I’m happy to be here.
“I had some really good options. But, for me, it was important to be the player I can be and the coach knows me from before – and I know the coach from before.
“We had a talk and it was clear I wanted to work with him. He was the main guy for why I came.
“I’m really happy to work with him. The club has given me heart and I want to pay it back, especially to the coach.
“I can’t wait to show the people here who I am.
“I think, also, the team has quality. They are not in the place where they are normally and we have one way to go, everyone together.”
The Gorgie side are hopeful of receiving international clearance in time for Avdijaj to be available for his debut against Ross County tomorrow night.
The player added: “My wish was to go somewhere where the fans want me, where the fans are happy I am here. I had the feeling not only about the club but also about the people in the city.
“It feels like all the city knows me even though I had not signed before and everyone wants me to come here and that feels great for me. That’s also why I chose to come here.
“In all of that, I think everyone will be happy.”