ANDY MORRELL strengthened his squad before the transfer window closed by signing Wales under 21 international duo Robert Ogleby and Daniel Alfei.
Striker Ogleby, who was on the books of Morrell’s former club Coventry City before signing for Hearts in the summer of 2010, has joined until the end of the season after his contract at the Scottish Premier League side was cancelled by mutual consent.
The 20-year-old has just completed a six-month loan deal at East Fife, where he scored two goals in 13 league appearances.
“Rob is a young lad who will help our squad, strengthen us up,” said Morrell. “He is a striker who was at Coventry City as a kid. I have spoken to a few people back there and spoke to a few up at Hearts.
“He was going to go to Falkirk but he has decided to come here until the end of the season.
“Rob is 6ft odd, big, strong and quick, so hopefully he will strengthen us up while Danny Wright is out and give us a bit more cover up top.”
Morrell has also drafted in 19-year-old Swansea City defender Alfei who has joined on loan until the end of the season as part of the deal which saw Curtis Obeng move to the Premier League side.
Alfei signed a three-year contract with The Swans last April and can play as a full-back or a central-back but has been restricted to one League Cup appearance this season.
Morrell has already recruited Scottish winger Steven Leslie from Shrewsbury Town on a contract through to the end of the season and hopes he and Ogleby show enough promise to extend their stays at The Racecourse.
“It is a tempter,” said Morrell. “If they are not going to get a look-in somewhere else, they can come here, train here, give it a go, and be in the shop window if you like and try to get into the team.
“We are going well so I want competition for places for the rest of the season, and hopefully that is what I am going to get.”
Morrell is also running the rule over Glasgow Rangers youngster Andrew Mitchell, who can play in central midfield or at right-back and is on trial.
A Northern Ireland under-19 international, Mitchell was previously part of the Manchester City academy.