The Warriors boss snapped up the former Airdrie and Clyde striker on a free from Darlington last Saturday morning.

And, while Harty's discipline has been questioned in the past, Coughlin is delighted with his new signing and sees no downside to the deal.

"He is a good age, has experience and has played at a higher level," said the manager.

"Scott Dalziel has done wonderfully well since we signed him in January from Cowdenbeath, but we need to give him some support.

"So Ian's task is to get us some goals to get us into the play-offs and, as a creative player, add to our play.

"He is the first to hold his hands up and admit to problems at other clubs.

"But I told him I'm not interested in the past and it's now down to what he can do for us, and what we can do for him.

"He's got aspirations to play full time football again and if he bangs in some goals for us until the end of the season then I'm sure that's what will happen.

"It's a win-win situation for both parties and I am sure there won't be a problem."

Harty signed on Saturday morning, the papers were lodged on Monday and he will get his clearance through from England as soon as possible.

The 29-year-old (pictured below) has been training with Airdrie and will continue to do that three days a week, along with two evenings at
Ochilview, to get him fully fit as soon as possible.

He could have played in Tuesday night's visit to Dumbarton had it not been postponed but is certain to feature this weekend.

And the local derby, at Firs Park, could have an extra needle to it – at least from the fans' perspective.

It's common knowledge that Gordon Wylde nipped in to snatch keeper Gary O'Connor and Andy Rodgers from 'Muir in recent weeks, when Coughlin had more than expressed an interest in the pair.

The Warriors boss is focusing on the reality though, and there can be no doubt that the visitors have the stronger squad.

"The last time we had a home win was against the Shire on Boxing Day and if we want to achieve a play-off place that's not good enough," Coughlin told Heraldsport.

"It is only a short trip to Firs Park on Saturday, but it's an away fixture and since I have come in we have a better record in such games.

"Gordon Wylde has strengthened his team since we last met so there is no room for complacency, but I believe we have a squad of players capable of winning and that's what we will endeavour to do.

"I'm sure, however, that it will be a match both sets of fans will enjoy – but it's one we have to win if we are to keep in promotion contention."

Wylde and his assistant John Brownlie will not be caught cold however, and have already done their homework.
Brownlie watched the 1-1 draw a fortnight ago against Stranraer when Dalziel hit the leveller.

The fact that the striker's double against Albion Rovers last Saturday brought his tally to eight goals in eight matches will not have gone unnoticed either.

Whether Shire have the capacity to deal with the 22-year-old is another matter, and the outcome could hinge around the home back four being able to cope with him – and if the fledgling Warriors' defence can shut out Joe Savage and Rodgers at the other end.