HALESOWEN Town have landed young Scottish midfielder Dean Hawkshaw.

The 21-year-old played for Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership last season after coming through the club's youth ranks.

He now comes south of the border to link up with the Yeltz after being without a club since leaving Glenafton Athletic in October.

Yeltz assistant Matt Clarke is pleased to boost the squad, saying: "He's a lad who played against the likes of Celtic and Rangers last season so he could be a really good addition for us."

However, Clarke insists replacing the goals of striker James Roberts remains a priority.

Roberts moved to Hereford last month after netting eight times this term following a summer move to the Grove.

Hales drew a blank for just the third time this season when they battled to a good away point at promotion hopefuls Royston last Saturday. The goalless draw came despite the loss of Hughes to a red card late on.

However, Clarke says he and manager John Hill are keen to add more firepower to support Hughes and Roland Agbor and are hopeful of making a capture ahead of the weekend.

He said: "We have plenty of irons in the fire and have been on the phone this week and we'll hopeful of getting something over the line soon. Getting another forward in is a priority for us."

On the Royston result, he added: "You've got to be pleased to go to the second-placed side and get a point.

"We were brilliant at times and really did put a shift in. It saw us build on the Grantham result the previous week and gave us loads of positives to focus on.

"I think we had the chances to win it as well and can maybe consider ourselves a little unlucky not to take all three points."

The Yeltz now turn their attention back to the FA Trophy this Saturday with the visit of Prescot Cables in the second qualifying round.

Clarke said: "It's going to be difficult because they beat Warrington in the previous round but we are at home against a team from a league below so we have to be confident."

Jack Rea is a doubt (groin) but Brad Lewis (hamstring) will be assessed before the weekend.