Dons target Algerian Mohamed Chalali as solution to scoring problems

ABERDEEN manager Craig Brown hopes to conclude a deal for Algeria Under-23 international Mohamed Chalali, although the striker is not likely to be involved in today's Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Inverness.

The 22-year-old, who currently plays for Greek side Panionios and began his career with Le Havre in France, has spent the week on trial in the Granite City.

Brown has been looking for a new striker as the Dons seek to address their failure to find the net in the opening four SPL matches of the campaign.

Brown said: "We're pleased with what we see in training. We're in negotiations with him to see if it's possible to bring him here.

"It is very unlikely that anything would happen before tomorrow in time for the game because there are so many imponderables: clearance from the other side, international clearance, work permits."

Brown has been looking to recruit a forward player and Dutch striker Maceo Rigters has also had a trial spell. However, he has now travelled to New Zealand on a pre-arranged trial and the Dons are yet to enter full negotiations.

Brown remains full of optimism as his side bid for their first win of the season at Pittodrie this afternoon, despite losing 3-0 at Hearts last weekend and gaining just one point from four matches so far this term.

Brown said: "At this juncture any win would be acceptable. We want to win a game, get some points on the board and get some justification for the optimism I have about this team."

Brown believes it is merely about the Dons' luck turning. He added: "I don't feel any pressure at all. The atmosphere in the dressing room is good and I'm not deluded. Players know when they're playing badly or they're unlucky.

"We could easily have had a lot more points this season. We just need a turn of the ball to get a result which would transform the league position.

"I detect a determination to rectify the indifferent results we've had. I'm quite sure we're capable of that. We've got to start sooner rather than later to get some points on the board. If the lads get what they deserve they will get a victory."

Inverness are below the Dons in the table after also losing three and drawing one of their opening games, and manager Terry Butcher said: "We know we're not the worst team in the league, we know what we're all about and what we have to do.

"I have still got that confidence in the team, there is still a lot to come from this team."