Peterhead have signed striker Boris Melingui until the end of the season, ahead of today’s game with Airdrieonians.
Melingui has featured as a trialist in Peterhead’s last two games, impressing off the bench in the 0-0 draw against Montrose on Monday.
It continues Robertson’s recruitment drive as he looks to strengthen the Blue Toon squad, and follows Friday’s capture of ex-Aberdeen and Inverurie Locos forward Kieran Shanks on loan from Championship Arbroath until the end of the season.
“He’s keen and he’s got such a great attitude,” said Robertson, of 26-year-old Melingui. “We started him against Edinburgh (4-0 Christmas Eve defeat), which was maybe a bit unfair as he hadn’t played in a while – but we were desperate for a striker.
“When he came on against Montrose, he made an impact with his enthusiasm and energy.
“Since I came in, I’ve been looking for players that could play immediately and that were worth taking a chance on. We’ve done that with Boris.
“It was probably unfair to expect miracles of him in a team that was struggling, but you could see on Monday he made a huge difference.
“He’s definitely warranted something until the end of the season.”
Melingui has previous experience in Scottish football with Brechin City and Dumbarton, while also featuring as a trialist for Raith Rovers and Albion Rovers.
Robertson still hopes to add two more, after players also exit Balmoor
Robertson hopes to add at least two more players this month after securing Melingui and Shanks.
He added: “We’re waiting on answers from clubs and players and it’s a situation where you need to have a plan B up your sleeve.”
There are outgoings at Peterhead, too – loan players Ewan Murray, Max Gillies and Mikey Hewitt have returned to their parent clubs, Julien Carre’s contract has not been renewed and Prince Asare has joined junior club Lochee United on loan.
On Thursday, experienced attacking midfielder Ryan Dow went in the opposite direction from Shanks, leaving Balmoor for Arbroath on a permanent deal.
Blue Toon have to ‘raise standards again’ for Airdrieonians visit
Robertson might have the luxury of naming an unchanged side for Saturday’s visit of Aidrieonians, which has been a rarity for the Blue Toon this season.
The Peterhead boss is also keen for his players to remain grounded, after the minor lift of getting a point on the board against Montrose.
“We’re playing against a young, enthusiastic team with a lot of movement and ability,” said Robertson. “It’s the first time we’ve played a team that’s not just part-time, too.
“The performance against Montrose was good, but we’ve got to raise our standards again. If we can keep the same spirit we had, hopefully we can kick on.
“We want to make Balmoor a difficult place to play and get the first goal. Things are on the right path, but we can’t get carried away with just a point.”
Hamish Ritchie and Paul Dixon remain out injured long-term, while Conor O’Keefe is another week or two away from returning. Russell McLean is suspended.
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