Coyle on New Latvian Trialist, Kalninš -Updated

As widely reported in the media today, Latvian international Gatis Kalninš has joined the Clarets on trial and will play at some stage in the Clarets remaining games in Scotland.



The 26 year old forward signed for his current club, Skonto Rīga from FK Valmiera in 2002 and has played 19 times for his country.

Owen Coyle had this to say about his new triallist:

'Gatis joined up with the squad on Sunday night and we plan to have a look at him in Scotland.'

Kalninš looks set to get his first chance to impress the gaffer at Partick Thistle on Monday night.

If we do sign the 6ft 3ins striker,it will be a bit of a coup over local rivals Blackburn Rovers who showed interest under their previous manager Mark Hughes at the end of last season.

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Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Owen Coyle has now elaborated on the Kalninš trial and the background to their interest in the player:

"We've actively been looking at players here and there.

"Gatis will join with us until Friday and be involved in both of the games and we'll assess it from there.

"He's a 6ft-plus striker and just adds a different dimension to what we've got. We put an awful lot of crosses into the box and just need someone to get on the end of them. He's a big, physical lad, so we'll look at it and see if it's the right type of player for us.

"He's got a terrific scoring record at Skonto Riga and scored two goals last week when they beat Blackpool 4-0 in a friendly, so he knows where the goals are.

"I've been aware of him for some time, but we weren't going to do anything without looking at him in the flesh first-hand, and this week gives us the opportunity to do that."




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