The 35-year-old has been out of the senior game since leaving Gretna at the end of last season but made a return as a trialist for Shire in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Dumbarton at Firs Park.

He had turned junior with Bellshill Athletic this season but then left there and was training with Morton.

"David would be a great asset to us," said McInally. "He hasn't played football for too long but you could see with his experience and the way he was talking to the players and organising them he would be an asset to us.

"It would be great if we could get him on board.

"The problem is he had signed for Bellshill so, if he wants to come here, we will have to sign him as an amateur.

"We have to sign people by Friday and David would be a great asset to us if we can persuade him to do that."

McInally's other pressing worry is how to get the team off the bottom of the Third Division. The midweek draw means Shire don't move any closer to Dumbarton and gain just one point on Forfar, who now have a game in hand.

And, with just five matches of the season to go, the Firs Park coach realises time is running out.

"Even if we don't get off the bottom of the league we have to strive to compete in these other matches," he explained.

"We don't want to be rolling over in these games and we want to prove – whatever happens – that we are going to be ready and far better next season."

The most pressing challenge will be beating Albion Rovers at Firs Park this Saturday.

McInally went on: "I think the players will be looking forward to it.

"They have shown in the last week they are every bit as good as the team sitting second in the league, and also against Dumbarton who are currently one of the form teams.

"There were plenty of positives (from the Dumbarton match) and hopefully the players will take that into Saturday's game and win against Albion Rovers.

"Realistically, we know we will have to win two or three games (to avoid bottom place) and that won't be easy, but we have shown we can compete and we have to just go out there and be positive."

Shire will again be without new signing Dean Richardson and Gary Kelly is also likely to be ruled out of action.

Joe Savage is suffering from what the coach calls "a niggling injury" and will be assessed closer to Saturday.

THE official Shire Supporters' Club will hold a meeting tonight (Thursday) in the Gordon Lounge in Thornhill Road. It will start at 7.30 p.m. and all members are urged to attend.