One-time Bradford City front-man Niah Payne could taste Scottish football for the first time when League 1 kick’s off again when Airdrie visit Balmoor tomorrow after the 22-year-old impressed manager Jim McInally in training.
Payne who has also played for Shaw Lane, Goole and Bridlington signed for the Blue Toon in January however the postponement of a Scottish Cup tie against Stenhousemuir on January 9 and the suspension on playing that was imposed the following day as left the attacker cooling his heels.
When training restarted earlier this month Payne restarted his Balmoor career and he looks set to be involved against the Diamonds at some stage tomorrow with Jim saying: “Like the rest of the squad Niah has worked hard to be ready for football returning. We played a 9 v 9 game on a full pitch last weekend to get plenty of yards into the players’ legs and he really impressed during that.”
“He was good going forward however what impressed me just as much was his willingness to run back. If he lost the ball he immediately turned and chased it rather than standing still. Small things like that can make a huge difference. He has done enough to ensure that he will get some game time at the weekend.”
