Peterhead boss Jim McInally has spoken to free-agent striker Andrew Macrae with a view to bringing him to Balmoor.
Macrae was released by Caley Thistle and impressed McInally in the PFA Scotland exit trials last month, with the 20-year-old away on holiday just now with interest to mull over.
He was highly-rated in the Highland capital under the tutelage of former Aberdeen and Scotland international Duncan Shearer, who was the Caley Jags Development squad head coach until last summer. Macrae spent last season on loan with Forres Mechanics, hitting 15 goals and impressing in the Can Cans fifth-placed finish.
McInally would be keen to bring him to Peterhead and is happy to wait on Macrae coming back off holiday for an answer.
He said: “He has a few things to think about and I’m happy to wait for him to get back from his holidays. It’s up to him now. He did well at the exit trials but I’ve also spoken to people in the Highland League about him. He was highly-rated at Inverness but because they were chasing the playoffs, it was hard for him to get in that team.
“I wouldn’t mind someone like that in our squad – he’s a talented wee boy. Andrew’s got the friendship with Jason Brown as well and the only downside is he stay in Inverness, so it’s not easy logistically.”
McInally is happy the majority of his summer transfer business is done, with retaining the bulk of last season’s squad the priority. The Blue Toon manager is targeting three more additions, including a back-up goalkeeper after Fraser Hobday left for Turriff United.
Their Betfred Cup fixtures were confirmed on Monday, with Peterhead opening with two away games in three days against Brechin City and Dunfermline. Their first home game is against fellow League 2 side Stirling Albion on July 21 and they finish with Dundee at Balmoor on Wednesday July 25.
McInally added: “I think getting two away games in a row is harsh. The Betfred Cup is something we were unlucky in last year and there was a bit of disappointment at not qualifying with nine points. Can we keep on beating Premiership teams? I’m not sure but we’ll go and be as awkward as we can.
“It does give us a chance to look at Stirling Albion, who I imagine will be going for the title this season.”
They will play three pre-season games prior to the start of the competition, visiting League 2 title-holders Montrose on June 30 before a double-header away to Fraserburgh (July 7) for Marc Dickson’s testimonial and Inverurie Locos a day later.
