The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Blue Toon hope to hand Fraser debut against Dons
New signing: Midfielder impressed for Peterhead in recent trial match
Peterhead hope to hand midfielder Gary Fraser his debut against Aberdeen tonight.
The 25-year-old has been on trial at Livingston but featured as a trialist for the Blue Toon in Sunday’s 8-1 friendly win against Fauldhouse United.
Nicholls is in charge at the Blue Toon as manager Jim McInally is on holiday and the assistant boss hopes to have the new signing on board before kick-off tonight.
He said: “We hope to have Gary on board provided we get the paperwork sorted.
“He impressed on Sunday and we made an offer, which he accepted. We’re close to getting a deal over the line and it would be nice to have it done so we can add another player to the squad in time for the Aberdeen game.”
Nicholls hopes the chance to take on a fullstrength Dons side will bring out the best in his players.
He said: “Aberdeen are aiming to get themselves in shape for next Thursday but we’re just as keen to get ourselves up and running with the Betfred Cup starting next weekend and this is an important chance for players to work on their fitness.
“We know Derek McInnes will be fielding a strong team, which is great for us. It’s the sort of test we want and we’re grateful Aberdeen are coming to play us. They
“He impressed on Sunday and we made an offer, which he accepted”
have made some good signings and it’s always a great experience for our players to match up against a team of experienced, good professionals.
“They are a big club, not just in the area but in Scottish football. We’re not at their level in terms of stature but we’re ambitious like they are and if we can give them a test and make a game of it we’ll be delighted.”
While the Dons drew 0-0 with Connah’s Quay Nomads of Wales in their first pre-season fixture on Saturday at Fota Island Resort in Ireland, the Blue Toon got their campaign off to a winning start on Sunday when they beat Fauldhouse in a bounce game at Stirling University.
New signings Aidan Smith and Scott Hooper impressed in the win and Nicholls hopes the duo can make another good impression on their home debut tonight.
He said: “Jon Connolly, the Fauldhouse manager, is a good friend of mine and we wanted our lads to have a game under their belts before playing Aberdeen and we’re grateful Jon agreed to face us.
“It was a good run-out for the boys and they did well on a pitch which wasn’t the best. Scoring goals always helps and it was good to see Aidan and Scott come in and hit the ground running with the rest of the players.
“They always stood out when we played against Annan and they showed why with good performances on Sunday.”