ON MATULEVICIUS

There are a lot of good teams in Eastern Europe and a lot of good individual players.

“He has played in Romania. He has played in Belgium at quite a high standard.

“Sometimes we dismiss these leagues because we are in a bubble here in Britain.

“There are actually goodquality players out there. He has played 30-odd times for his country. We’ve brought a player at his peak who has vast experience of playing around Europe. The Scottish league will not worry him.

“We certainly can’t be dismissive of these countries and I know from my own experience that there are good players out there.”

While Lennon was pleased to conclude a deal for Matulevicius out of the public domain, the same cannot be said for the club’s much-publicised pursuit of Blackburn Rovers striker Anthony Stokes.

Asked about the Irishman, Lennon, who refuted Wales

NEIL LENNON striker Simon Church’s claim that he was was offered a deal, added: “No comment at all. I don’t know what the situation is with Anthony regarding Blackburn.

“He’s their player. We’re linked with a lot of players. A lot of stuff comes out of here that shouldn’t come out.

“That’s why it was pleasing to get David over the line in a nonfussy sort of way.

“I can’t keep commenting on speculation. You all know that we’re interested in certain players but until they’re in the building and signed then I can’t give a definitive answer on anyone.”

Lennon is still keen to reinforce his striking options but Simon Murray hopes he is in pole position to start the Premiership season as the team’s recognised striker after scoring two goals in the 4-0 Betfred Cup victory over Montrose.

He said: “If you are playing well and scoring goals it’s in your own hands.

“The manager picks the team but he is going to pick a striker that’s scoring goals so if I can just concentrate on the way I am playing then hopefully it will be me that he picks.”

Lennon also reported good news on the injury front yesterday, with defender Paul Hanlon set to return from a persistent pelvic injury for the development squad in Sunday’s friendly at Lowland League side Selkirk. James Keatings has been ruled out of action for up to six weeks after damaging his ankle ligaments in Dundee United’s Betfred Cup win over Buckie Thistle.

The former Hibs, Hearts and Hamilton Accies striker was assessed yesterday after sustaining the injury 10 minutes from time in the 3-0 victory over the Highland League champions on Wednesday night.

It is a huge blow for Tannadice boss Ray Mckinnon, who has overhauled his squad this summer in search of a side capable of winning the Championship and returning the club to the top flight.

Keatings, pictured, who has won a hat-trick of promotions to the Premiership with his previous three clubs, was expected to spearhead the Tangerines’ attack but has now been told he will miss at least the opening month of the campaign, and perhaps six weeks.

Mckinnon said: “It’s a real, real blow for us. He

“I hope people judge him on his all-round game because what we’ve seen, we’ve liked”

has had a shot and his standing foot has just got caught in the turf.

“I’m really devastated for him, because he’s such a good player, and all the intricate football we played in the first-half was going through Keats.

“I’m feeling for him. He wanted to hit the ground running here and that’s a big downer for us. But we’ll dust ourselves down and see how he recovers.”

Mckinnon was already seeking attacking reinforcements and has admitted he will have to redouble his efforts after losing Keatings for a significant length of time.

He added: “We might have to try to get another striker. We definitely need another striker, but want to get the right one.

“We need to be patient but we’ll have to sort something out.”