GARY BOLLAN is hopeful of further strengthening his Cowdenbeath squad with a new goalkeeper while reiterating his desire to keep striker Jordan Allan.

After securing the signature of former Raith Rovers and Dumbarton defender Craig Barr – whose arrival was described by Bollan as a “major coup for the club” – the Blue Brazil boss moved quickly to secure the services of former Dundee United midfielder Archie Thomas last Wednesday.

The 19-year-old, who hails from Plymouth, joined the Tannadice club’s under-20 squad in the summer of 2017 but has completed a move to Central Park after his deal on Tayside expired last month.

After joining Torquay United’s youth academy at the age of 12, he joined English Premier League club Southampton’s youth set-up in the summer of 2015 before moving to the City of Discovery.

Thomas made a handful of first-team appearances for United – which included an Irn-Bru Cup victory over Cowden – before moving on loan to Stirling Albion last season.

Although that was cut short by injury, Bollan told Times Sport: “He’s well over that injury and comes in injury free.

“Archie’s a young kid who I know really well having watched him at Dundee United.

“He has youthful experience, if you can say that; he’s young but already has a fair bit of experience.

“He can get his foot on the ball, can pass it, go box-to-box and can score goals.

“He is composed but, if it comes to the crunch, he can roll his sleeves up as well.

“It might be September or October before we see the best of Archie, but it’s important he gets a good pre-season under his belt and up to speed.”

Thomas could be joined by another new arrival this week after Bollan revealed he is closing in on a new goalkeeper to fill the void left by veteran Dave McGurn, who returned to Raith Rovers in a player/coach role.

“We’re hopeful that that’s some way down the line,” he continued.

“We need two goalkeepers and there will be no first choice or second choice.

“It will be a battle to see who plays and I’m hopeful that, by the end of this week, we will have something finalised.”

Following the Cowden squad’s return for pre-season training on Saturday, Bollan also said he was set to hold talks with striker Allan last night (Tuesday) after Hibernian cooled their interest.

The Edinburgh outfit were one of several full-time clubs linked with the 20-year-old, who hit nine goals in 23 games last season, but Bollan added: “Jordan Allan I’m hopeful will remain with us.

“Hibs have dropped their interest so the ball is now in Jordan’s court, but we are keen to keep him.

“We are quite pleased with the business we’ve done so far but we are still looking to add.

“It is difficult at this stage because players are still coming back from holiday, but we are looking at various positions.”

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed that they will play Raith Rovers in a friendly at Stark’s Park on Tuesday July 9, with kick-off at 7.45pm.