Slovenian Ploj aims to impress Ray
SLOVENIAN star Alen Ploj last night set his sights on winning a deal with Dundee United, insisting he is tailor-made for Scottish football.
Ex-Slovenia U/21 striker Ploj is a free agent after leaving Polish side GKS Belchatow, and will tomorrow begin a week-long trial at United’s St Andrews training base.
The 23-year-old started his career with Maribor, winning four Slovenian titles, before a move to Slovakian side Zlate Moravce.
Now he is determined to prove his quality to Tangerines gaffer Ray McKinnon and sign up for a tilt at the Championship.
He said: “I will train with Dundee United for a week. It is a good opportunity for me and I hope to show the manager what I can do.
“I have always scored goals for my teams, and I think I can do that in Scotland as well.
“Dundee United is a big club. They had a bad season last year but they are ambitious and want to get back to the top league. They’re one of the biggest teams in Scotland, so it would be a good move for me.
“But, first, I have to work hard in training and impress the manager so he asks me to stay.”
Four goals in the last five games of the season from Ploj could not prevent Belchatow’s relegation to the Polish third tier. But the 6ft 1in hit man – one of five trialists aiming to catch the eye at United this week – believes he is well equipped to aid the Tangerines in their hoped-for promotion battle.
“I have been playing in Poland but I would like to move to the UK,” he said. “I think I will be suited to the style of football in Scotland, so, hopefully, next week goes well.”
NEW-LOOK Alloa got their season started with a 3-0 stroll over Highland League Fort William on their new look Indodrill Stadium pitch – all the goals coming early.
The Wasps took the lead after just three minutes when Iain Flanningan netted from the spot, with Isaac Layne slotting home the second four minutes later. Andy Graham marked his first game with a close-range goal on 18 minutes.