Scottish football news in brief: Dunfermline | Ross County | Hibs | Inverness

Published on 27/06/2012 01:54

JEFFERIES tries to lure Kyle to East End Park; Derek Adams dismisses talk of moves for Broadfoot and Riordan; Smith signs new deal at Hibs and Martin Laing makes step up to ICT first team

JIM Jefferies is hopeful Kevin Kyle will join Dunfermline for pre-season despite interest in the former Hearts star from Hibernian. The striker has been offered the opportunity to prove his fitness at the Pars during July with a view to a permanent move. There was also thought to be interest in the player from Hibs after Kyle confirmed “Billy Brown says Hibs would like me just to go on pre-season”.

However, Jefferies, who coached the player at Tynecastle and at Kilmarnock, is confident the 30-year-old will be at Dunfermline’s Pitreavie coaching complex when the players return from their close-season break next Wednesday. He said: “Kevin phoned me the other day and said that he would join us for pre-season and as far as I am aware that is still the case.”

DEREK Adams yesterday dismissed talk of Ross County bids for Kirk Broadfoot and Derek Riordan. And, far from plotting big-money moves, he admitted he was being priced out of capturing far more modest targets. County, preparing for their SPL baptism, have so far snapped up Ross Tokely from Caley Thistle and Gary Glen from Hearts on free transfers. Describing the player market as “difficult”, Adams said there was unlikely to be more movement before training kicked off tomorrow. Adams said: “We wouldn’t be able to afford Kirk Broadfoot’s wages and there is no truth in us pursuing Derek Riordan.”

HIBS left-back Scott Smith has signed a new one-year contract. The Edinburgh-born 20-year-old has made one Hibs first-team appearance, as a substitute in a League Cup win over Berwick, and spent time on loan at Brechin. Hibs manager Pat Fenlon said: “Scott has been in and around the first team for a year now and he has got a fantastic attitude and wants to succeed. He fits in with the type of player we want at the club moving forward.”

Teenage midfielder Martin Laing has signed a professional contract with Inverness after stepping up from the under-19 team. Manager Terry Butcher said: “Martin is a clever lad and a good player who has made excellent progress through our youth set-up and we’re pleased to have signed him on a first-team contract. The lad has worked hard to get himself into this situation and he joins the rest of the first team for the start of pre-season on Friday.”