The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Blue Toon bank on loans
McInally keen to reap rewards of getting youngsters game time
Jim McInally hopes sending players on loan to Highland League clubs continues to benefit Peterhead. Aaron Norris is already at Formartine and flourishing under Paul Lawson and Russell Anderson, while fit-again midfielder Liam Macdonald is set to join Fraserburgh until the new year.
New addition Ross Willox will also be sent out on loan until the turn of the year, joining East Stirlingshire in the Lowland League as it is closer to his Glasgow base.
Willox. 19, has played in America and New Zealand and was on the books of Falkirk until they dismissed manager Paul Hartley. He had been training with the Blue Toon and has joined on amateur terms until January when he will sign as a professional.
While their team is packed with players wellversed in the Scottish leagues, McInally is keen to ensure Peterhead are not caught short for the future either.
He said: “We’ve got to make sure we’re not left standing with stuff like this.
“Ross had come over to play for Falkirk and was there until Paul Hartley got sacked. He came to be a full-time footballer but he’s had to lower his standards and knows he’s got a lot of hard work ahead.
“Liam is back fit again (after breaking his wrist) and is off to play for Fraserburgh. The plan was to get him out into the Highland League as it’s a great place to learn your trade.
“You just need to look at Aaron (Norris) who’s doing really well at Formartine. He’s been using his fitness in the right way and is not getting disappointed.”
Norris starred for Formartine in their midweek 4-2 win over Cove Rangers and will return to the Blue Toon in January.
Victory over Albion Rovers last weekend put Peterhead back on top of League 2 and they head to Queen’s Park tomorrow determined to stay there, ahead of a week’s break from league action.
McInally added: “Queen’s Park are on a good run just now, winning four on the bounce and it’s always tough going there anyway.
“When we drew with them on the first day of the season, I did think they were the only team that merited coming here and getting a point.
“They will be awkward, organised and we’ve got to keep doing what we’ve been doing.
“It’s certainly not a problem being up there to be shot at. That’s where you’d rather be.
“It would be nice to get the victory and stay there, as neither ourselves or Edinburgh City have a game next week.”
McInally has no fresh injury concerns with the trip to Hampden Park with the only dilemma over whether to start full-back Paddy Boyle.
Long-term injury victim Nicky Riley is continuing his recovery from a serious knee injury, sustained in January, by taking part in some light running.