Experienced attacker Derek Lyle is set to make his Peterhead debut against Stirling Albion in today’s Betfred Cup encounter.
The 37-year-old, who joined the Balmoor club on a one-year deal after being released by Queen of the South, has not featured so far this term due to a calf injury.
McInally, whose side were beaten 3-0 by Dunfermline at East End Park on Tuesday, said: “I’m hoping we can get Derek some game time this weekend.
“He will offer us something that we haven’t had in quite a while.
“He will let us link up the play.
“I’m hoping that players such as Russell McLean can learn from him in terms of the importance of retaining possession.
“Derek is also a goal threat and his fitness isn’t an issue because he is a fitness fantastic.
“It won’t take him long to get up to speed.
“He picked up a calf injury just before we signed him when out running but hopefully we can get him started this weekend.”
McInally also hopes to complete the signing of Queen of the South goalkeeper Ryan Gibson. The 18-year-old is the younger brother of Blue Toon midfielder Willie.
The Peterhead manager expects the deal to be his final signing of the summer.
The Balmoor men have two points from their two games ahead of their final Betfred Cup group matches against Stirling and Dundee.
McInally added: “I know it is a long shot but if we can beat Stirling then we will know we will have a chance of going through if we can beat Dundee next week.
“Stirling played against Brechin on Tuesday so they will probably be carrying a couple of knocks. It is good that both teams are going into the match the same.
“We will look to freshen things up with a couple of changes.
“Stirling have signed Mark Stewart from Dumbarton and they have re-signed Peter MacDonald so they are a threat.
“They were a strong team last season and they have strengthened over the summer.
“We want to pick up some momentum before the start of the league season and a victory this weekend would help.”
