Dunfermline boss Jim McIntyre has admitted the goal scored by striker Jake Hyde for Dundee against the Pars last week was a persuasive factor in his decision to sign the player.
The former Barnet forward, who received international clearance to turn out for the Dark Blues as a trialist only by signing for junior side Lochee United, also netted twice for Dundee against Cowdenbeath last Saturday.
However, with the Dens Park side unable to offer him a deal because of the transfer embargo imposed for going into administration, the player’s agent contacted the Pars and McIntyre agreed to sign him.
He went straight into the Dunfermline squad that travelled to Dingwall on Tuesday night to face Ross County and came off the bench to make his debut.
McIntyre, who also confirmed the club have signed Graham Bayne until the end of the season, admitted he is delighted to have another proven goal scorer in his squad as they look to mount a final push for promotion.
“We got a phone call from Jake’s agent saying he was available,” said McIntyre. “You need to have players signed by the 31st and we took that opportunity to do so.
“Of course, he scored against us and did particularly well and he also netted twice against Cowdenbeath.
“That tells you he knows where the net is and you cannot have enough of those players. It is a short-term deal and we are delighted to have him.”
McIntyre also declared himself more than happy with Tuesday’s victory on the road, a result which took his side back to the top of the table at the expense of local rivals Raith Rovers.
“It was an excellent result up in Ross County the other night, even if it was not the best of games, to be honest,” he added.
“Normally ourselves and County serve up some good football and a lot of chances, but there was not a lot of that as both defences did really well, but we managed to get there in the end.
“We just kept going and big Martin Hardie popped up with the winner from a great ball from Joe Cardle, and I am absolutely delighted.”