Progress in Blue Toon move to ease the defence crisis

Peterhead boss Jim McInally looks set to bring in a defender on loan in time for the game against Dumbarton at Balmoor tomorrow.

An attempt to bring in a defender from a Championship club reached an impasse earlier this week due to Peterhead not being able to free up space in their loan quota, but there now appears to have been a positive development.

The Blue Toon have been in talks with Dundee over the return of loan players Danny Strachan and Lyall Cameron, who have not featured for the club since the Cove Rangers game at the start of January.

Discussions with Highland League side Fraserburgh to make Owen Cairns’ loan move a permanent one also broke down.

Injuries to David Wilson and Jason Brown forced their hand, with midfielder Scott Brown deployed at centre-back beside Andy McDonald for the midweek draw with Falkirk.

Peterhead will also be without Simon Ferry and Gary Fraser for the visit of the Sons. They are hopeful, however, of Ryan Conroy being available.

Points have been at a premium of late for the Buchan outfit and taking on a side around them in the bottom half of the table presents an opportunity to climb away from danger.

McInally has remained steadfast in his praise of the players and their performances, with their ability to put the ball in the back of the net the only thing lacking.

He said: “All the teams down where we are, they are having the same type of season.

“Dumbarton started the season brilliantly and were top of the league for a wee bit. By now we know each other inside out and between now and the end of the season, every game is massive.

“The players just need results and I feel as though if they got one, it would put them in amongst the pack again and it would be massive for their confidence.

“It’s a results business and we need to get points on the board, to make it difficult for teams round about us.

“We need to keep encouraging the players to do what they are doing, keep believing and we will get there.”

FORCED CHANGE: Midfielder Scott Brown has been playing in at the back.