Elgin City manager Allan Hale says bringing in New Zealand youth international striker Oliver Colloty on loan from Peterhead can give his team a new dimension
A Kiwi could become a key player on loan at Elgin City.
The Borough Briggs club has signed New Zealand youth international Oliver Colloty on loan from Peterhead for the rest of the season.
The 22-year-old netted six goals in the second half of last season after moving to Aberdeen from his native country.
Before going to Peterhead, Sheffield Wednesday wanted him on trial but he sustained a hamstring injury.
His move to Balmoor was sealed in January and he netted a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Bonnyrigg Rose, scoring six times to help the Buchan club win the League 2 title.
Colloty has two more goals to his name this term but having fallen behind Kieran Shanks in the pecking order for centre forward at Peterhead, they have decided to loan him out.
Hale said he was keen to find a physical front man to replace Irishman Dylan Gavin, who returned to his home country recently.
“It was important that we addressed that,” said Hale. “We've been looking all summer really for that target that we thought would help us and improve us.
“I think we found that with Oliver and he gives us something different than the likes of what Kane (Hester) and (Ryan) Sargent give you - that bit of physicality and that bit of height in the team.
“It means that you'll be a threat in both boxes which is important. With Dylan going away, we've missed that little bit of physicality.”
Hale was impressed by what he saw of Aberdeen-based Colloty playing against Elgin last term.
“He's a good player with a decent pedigree for someone so young.
“He got pretty decent numbers for Peterhead last year and was part of a team that won the league last year. So he obviously understands the demands of trying to be part of a successful side.”
“We’re thankful to (Peterhead management team) Jordon (Brown) and Ryan (Strachan) for allowing the move to happen.
“Hopefully Oliver can come in and hit the ground running with us.”
Colloty comes straight into City’s squad for their home match against league 2 leaders Spartans tomorrow.