Ross County could sign trialists Sam Stanton and David Cancola this week
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Ross County manager John Hughes hopes to have at least two new signings in his squad for Saturday’s home match against Aberdeen in the Premiership.
The Staggies boss alluded to having trialists training with the first team squad after last weekend’s trip to Livingston, who he later confirmed to be former Dundee United defender Sam Stanton and Austrian defensive midfielder David Cancola.
Hughes has been running the rule over them this week, and said if they impress deals could be done quickly for them to be involved against the Dons.
“Sam was a young kid when I was at Hibs and he had all the potential in the world back then,” Hughes recalled.
“He’s probably at an age now where he needs a manager who is going to tell him a few home truths and say what he’s going to need to be for the next four or five years to be the best he can be.
“David’s played in the Europa League before and is at a good age, he can look after the ball and he was right up to speed in the hard running we did the other day.
“Hearts tried to take him in a few years ago, so that shows the pedigree he’s got and hopefully we’ll get something done with him.
“Training is designed to let these boys show what they can do on the pitch.
“Hopefully they can prove they’re able to help us. It won’t be anything long-term, just until the end of the season - you dangle the carrot and give them the chance to grab it.”
Hughes is also in the market for a new goalkeeper, with Ross Doohan having returned to Celtic after his loan spell came to an end.
Doohan made five appearances, all in the Premiership, for County.
Having 13 players unavailable due to a positive Covid-19 test for Christopher Jullien led some to believe that Doohan was recalled by Celtic to help make up the numbers for their match against Hibernian on Monday night.
According to Hughes though, the plan was always for the young stopper to return to his parent club.
“Ross was always going to go back,” he insisted.
“It was on the cards before the Covid thing kicked in.
“We asked him to sit on the bench against Livingston last weekend just to give us cover, but he was always going to go back.
“We are now pursuing another goalkeeper.”
Hughes also reiterated that the club is under no pressure to sell this month, revealing that he is not aware of any bids for striker Ross Stewart in recent weeks.
