Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara believes new signing Darko Bodul can fill the striking void left by Nadir Ciftci’s departure to Celtic.
Former Ajax and Croatia under-21 forward Bodul signed with the Tangerines on Monday after meeting the Tannadice manager during the club’s recent training camp in Holland.
The player, who can also count Sparta Rotterdam, Sturm Graz, Odense and Rheindorf Altach among his former sides, has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with United and his new boss believes he will benefit from the stability of that contract.
However, Bodul’s arrival means that the Tangerines’ interest in Wigan striker Billy McKay has now ended.
McNamara said: “We became aware of Darko last week when we were out in Holland.
“We did some digging, spoke to some people and watched a good bit of footage on him scoring goals in Austria and Denmark.
“He is a good player and we are delighted to have him in. He has good technique and scores goals so hopefully he can fill the void of Nadir going.
“I think they are different but they have some similar attributes in terms of scoring goals and being technically very good.
“He has come from a good grounding at Ajax where he worked with some top striking coaches, like Dennis Bergkamp, who have helped him along the way.
“He has a good pedigree and has had a good grounding and now he is looking to get back playing and to jump up again.
“The last few years he has moved around, similar to Nadir although they are different characters.
“You take a chance on any player you sign even down to the younger kids and you get to know them. If I can get him right and enjoying his football then I am sure he can do really well for us.
“He has a hunger to succeed and to score goals for us. He wants to be a success and that is great for both sides.”
Asked about McKay, McNamara admitted: “I would think that is over now. We have a few numbers in there just now. Mario Bilate has come back and looks strong, Simon Murray has done well and we’ve got Robbie Muirhead and Ryan Dow as well, so we are well equipped up there.”
McNamara also revealed that the club are still talking to another former Ajax player, midfielder Rodney Sneidjer, about signing for the club.
The 24-year-old played for United in Holland last week, with the manager adding: “We are still talking to him but there is nothing more to say. We will find out with that one over the next couple of days.”
While the manager is eager to add to his squad, he also stressed that there are players already at the club who he has deemed surplus to requirements and, while he would not name names, he admitted the people in question have been informed.
He added: “Boys know they are not going to play and we need to find them somewhere where they can play week in week out. That is always the difficulty when others are in possession. We have told players they can go.”
One player McNamara is determined will be staying is John Souttar.
However, the talented teenager is still weighing up whether to sign the contract extension he was first offered back in May.
McNamara said: “We are still in talks with John and his agent and it will take as long as it takes.”