Scottish Football: Stainrod looks to the States

SIMON STAINROD, the Dundee manager, has turned to the United States for the latest addition to his cosmopolitan squad, writes Rupert Metcalf. Steve Pitman, a 25-year-old defender from Fort Lauderdale Strikers, will make his debut against Hearts at Tynecastle today if international clearance arrives in time.

Pitman, who has played twice for the United States, has dual British-American nationality. He played for East Fife and Shrewsbury in a previous spell in Britain. His availability would be a boost for Stainrod, who has both Ian Gilzean and Gary McKeown (formerly reserve team players at Tottenham and Arsenal respectively) suspended, and Alan Dinnie and Billy Dodds awaiting fitness tests.

As well as Premier League clubs from south of the border, Stainrod has signed players from the English non-League game (Jamie McGowan and Andy Kiwomya) and Czechoslovakia (Dusan Vrto). On trial at Dens Park this week have been two midfielders: Robert Codner from Brighton and Gerry Poppe from the Belgian club, Beveren.

Also looking across the Atlantic are Partick Thistle, who hope to include Bruce Murray, a 27-year- old striker who has played more than 60 times for the States, against Falkirk at Firhill today. 'He has impressed me,' John Lambie, the Thistle manager, said after watching Murray in training.