Dunfermline boss Jim Jefferies has added to his goalkeeping options with the signing of Spaniard Bernardo Dominguez.
The 32-year-old has been drafted in to provide experienced backup to Chris Smith. Finding another keeper was one of Jefferies’ top priorities after he took over the Dunfermline post last week, with Paul Gallacher still sidelined after shoulder surgery and Iain Turner’s loan deal having been terminated.
Now Dominguez, who has previously played for Huesca and Recreativo, will provide cover and competition for Smith, subject to international clearance, as the Pars continue their fight against relegation starting at Tannadice on Saturday.
Jefferies said: ”It has been a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. But one of our contacts who has a good track record bringing goalkeepers in has recommended Dominguez and he will sign until the end of the season subject to international clearance.
”We need to have cover for Chris Smith as we can’t ask our young kids to come into a battle like this. It wouldn’t be right for them so we will keep our fingers crossed we will get it done in time.”
Jefferies is determined to heap further pressure on second bottom Hibs by scoring a victory over United. The Easter Road outfit do not play until 24 hours later in Inverness, and by the time they kick off the Pars boss is hoping his side will have pulled level on points.
He acknowledged securing a win will be tough against one of the form sides in the country at the moment but Dunfermline have already won at Tannadice this season and he believes they are capable of doing so again.
He said: ”The boys have responded well since I came in. One thing I am really pleased about is that they go about things with great spirit and enthusiasm. If it was just down to that, we would be OK but it takes a wee bit more. Hopefully though we can get the other bits right and give ourselves a chance.
”We are where we are for a reason and we have some deficiencies to try to sort out. Every single game we play is a tough one for us as the league table doesn’t lie.”
He added: ”But we will be looking to go to Tannadice and get a result. The lads went there before and, from what I hear, were perhaps a bit fortunate to pick up all three points and I would take the same again this Saturday.
”We will be looking to get the three but if we get something out of the game before Hibs play on Sunday it would maybe put a bit more pressure on them. Hopefully we can go up there against a team that is in form and playing well and who no-one gives us a chance against and upset the odds.
”If we were to win on Saturday to put us level it would give us a big advantage and put a lot of pressure on them. I would still rather be in Hibs’ position as they have three points on us and one game can change a lot.
”But even if we lose our next two matches and Hibs lose theirs then we are still in a good position with five games to go as we still have them to play. Given the size of the club and the fact nobody expects them to be down there, they will probably feel the pressure a little bit more. Dunfermline have been in that position for most of the season.”
Jefferies has been involved in relegation dogfights before but admitted if he can produce a great escape for Dunfermline then it will be one of his biggest triumphs in the game.
He said: ”I have been down there with Falkirk and Kilmarnock in the past and managed to get out of it. But it would be an even greater achievement here coming in with just eight games left.
”Sometimes when you come in earlier you can maybe bring in a couple of boys and freshen things a bit in certain positions but we cannot do that this time.”