GREENOCK manager Martin Campbell has opted for a dressing room reshuffle as he looks to improve his side’s Super First Division lot.

An acute lack of firepower has led to the Tail O’the Bank outfit hovering above the relegation basement for most of this season.

However, Campbell has moved to address this perceived shortcoming with the acquisition of versatile ex-Montrose, Elgin City and Queen's Park ace Paul Harkins.

And the ambitious team boss has also moved to bolster his side’s backline by persuading his former centre-back Andy Irvine to make a playing comeback after he quit the Junior scene as a Clydebank player to concentrate on his University studies.

But it’s the signing of local player Harkins, younger brother of Dundee midfielder Gary, that is certain to have Greenock supporters relishing over the prospect of him making his debut away to Kilsyth Rangers on Saturday.

Marty said: "A couple of 4-0 wins in our opening three league games proved to be something of a false dawn as we’ve only managed to score five more goals in our next seven outings.

“The openings are being created, but not having anyone to finish them off has cost the team dearly so my assistant John Boyd and I have been looking far and wide for someone to fit the bill without success.

“But word reached us that Paul - who stay’s a mere stone’s throw from Ravenscraig - wanted to get playing regularly after a string of trialist appearances for various Junior clubs, including four goals in pre-season games for Pollok.

“He’s maybe better known as a midfielder, but my old Benburb team-mate Tony McInally reckons he has an eye for goal and Paul himself is more than willing to give it a go as a striker so we’re absolutely delighted to land someone of his quality.

“He’s only 27 years of age and arguably approaching his peak playing years which hopefully can be spent with us.”

Harkins is a definite starter in the crunch contest against a Kilsyth side that Campbell watched going down to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of league leaders Largs Thistle last weekend

He added: "Kilsyth were holding their own at 1-1 until being hit with a couple of late sucker punches and they look an improved side from last season when coming out on top in both league games against ourselves.

“And despite results to the contrary I believe there is greater potential in our playing squad this time around so all the ingredients are there for a testing 90 minutes especially with the boost afforded by having Paul and Andy in our ranks.”

No doubt eyebrows will be raised at reports saying there has been a lack of interest shown in the availability of Bishopbriggs-based Chris Hall recently placed on the transfer list by Super Premier bottom markers oIrvine Meadow.

The one-time Knightswood Juveniles star turn hasn’t featured competitively for his Ayrshire club since being injured in the 1-0 New Coin Holdings Cup victory over Pollok back an early October, but he is now vowing to play through the pain barrier to try and prove he deserves a place in new manager Davie Greig’s plans.

Last night the 25-year-old striker said: "A groin injury sustained in the Pollok game was diagnosed initially as a mild strain, but it just didn’t respond to treatment sessions or rest and eventually I paid to see a specialist who referred me to Ross Hall for an MRI scan.

“The results only came through last week and showed I have a small hernia which thankfully doesn’t need surgery to put right and more importantly will not get any worse through training and playing so I’m now working on bringing my fitness back up to scratch after what has been a five month lay-off.

“My groin can feel uncomfortable during exercise and painful afterwards doesn’t bother me in the slightest because all my focus is on getting back in a Medda jersey and doing what I can to help us avoid relegation which is an experience I didn’t enjoy at Ashfield.

“If I can contribute to us staying up then Davie might be persuaded to keep me at the club which would suit me fine as I’m felling pretty settled at Meadow Park and I’ve never had any thoughts about moving elsewhere.”

Chrissy continued: “I don’t lack for motivation to get back playing at the top of my game again but it is further encouraging that Davie comes across as an attack minded manager seeing as he has opted to go with twin strikers in his two games in charge up to now.

“Paul Maxwell's knee injury and complications with Ross McPherson’s recovery from breaking his foot have restricted Davie to the choice of Richie Barr and Shaun Fraser, but hopefully I can give him further options before too long.

“Hopefully he can give me a chance as my contract is up in June and I’’m left looking at little more than four months to make a favourable impression.”