East Fife player-manager Gary Naysmith hopes to complete the signing of former Scotland striker Derek Riordan on a deal until the end of the season.
Riordan, 32, made a 40-minute cameo as a trialist for the Fifers on Tuesday evening, producing a bright assist for Sean Dickson’s winning goal in the 2-1 triumph over East Stirlingshire.
The ex-Hibernian and Celtic striker has been without a club since leaving Alloa in May 2014, although he has been training with Livingston in recent weeks.
Riordan did appear as a trialist for Brechin City in a 2-1 defeat to Stranraer last October but turned down the opportunity for an extended stay at Glebe Park.
However, Naysmith hopes to tempt one of the most prolific marksmen in Scottish Premier League history to Methil to spearhead their push for the play-offs.
He said: “It says a lot about him that he wanted to drop down to the level we are playing at.
“He is the third highest goalscorer ever in the Scottish Premier League and has shown a great commitment to come and play for us for next to nothing.
“We will enjoy him while he’s here. I would love to keep him until the end of the season.
“There are not many free transfers you can get at this stage of the season to improve your side, so when Derek’s name came up I tried to make contact.
“It took a bit of persuading but I have tried to sell it to him by urging him to come here and play a few games and get himself in the shop window for next season.”
Naysmith admits he is in the dark regarding whether Riordan will be available to face Annan Athletic on Saturday, after he dashed off to be at the birth of his child on Tuesday evening.
He can play another two matches as a trialist, and Naysmith said: “His wife was due but he still came and played for us on Tuesday.
“He didn’t even have time for a shower he got a text that said he had to get to the hospital!
“I’ve no idea if he will play on Saturday. We are just taking it game by game.
I’ll probably speak to him again on Friday. I’ll let him just enjoy the birth of his baby for a couple of days.”