Hristov joins Dunfermline until end of the season

Last updated : 26 January 2005 By Mad Tyke
Former Barnsley striker Georgi Hristov has joined SPL side Dunfermline until the end of the season, pending the award of a work permit after impressing on trial.

One of the stumbling blocks over the deal was the cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered last year - but he has been given the all-clear after undergoing a scan.

Dunfermline manager Davie Hay said: "We have applied for a work permit for him, and initially it has been rejected because of Georgi’s injury situation. It will go to appeal now, and we are hoping that will go through.

"He’s agreed to what we’ve offered him until the end of the season, so we’re hoping the appeal’s now heard quickly."

Meanwhile Georgi told the Daily Record: 'I went to Barnsley from Partizan Belgrade and I played there for three years. When the English journalists asked me what I thought of the girls in England and, in particular, Barnsley, I said in Belgrade they are much, much better. Then they made the story up.

'In the beginning there were a few problems with that but I never said what they said I did and that annoyed me.

'But I enjoyed my time in England. I had one year in the Premiership and then two in the First Division.

'My last game was against Ipswich at Wembley in the play-off to get back into the Premiership. It was a good way to finish my time there.

'Barnsley paid £1.5m for me. I was 21 and maybe looking back now it was too early for me. Now, at my age and with my greater life and football experience, this would be the time to go to the Premiership.

'But Partizan could not turn the offer down and for me, at 21, I couldn't turn reject a chance to play teams like Arsenal and Manchester United.

'I'm not sorry I went there because maybe I wouldn't have had another chance to play in the Premiership.'

Hristov insists his injury worries are behind him. He is now desperate to prove as much and make a return to international football.

He said: 'Exactly one year ago I had an operation on the cruciate ligament of my knee but the scan is okay and so I can say that I'm fit to play. In the last year I've really missed the football. I'm sure I can enjoy playing football here.

'I can see they're nice and friendly people at the club and there are good players.I saw the game against Dundee United and I will do my best to help the club and please the supporters.

'I haven't played for the last year for the national team but I'm still top scorer for Macedonia and I'm looking forward to playing again for the national team.'