STEVE Castle is frustrated in his attempts to bring in a new striker as he tries to revive the fortunes of his side. Castle revealed the striker he is after is Hayes & Yeading s Rob Gradwell, but there are a couple of issues that need to be sorted before

STEVE Castle is frustrated in his attempts to bring in a new striker as he tries to revive the fortunes of his side.

Castle revealed the striker he is after is Hayes & Yeading's Rob Gradwell, but there are a couple of issues that need to be sorted before the 18-year-old can link up with the Saints.

"Rob Gradwell from Hayes & Yeading is desperate to come," Castle told the Herts Advertiser, "but at this moment in time it's still ongoing and there are one or two things that need to be ironed out first."

Gradwell joined Hayes during the summer after leaving Birmingham City and has scored once for his new club in seven appearances - the tall striker was also on target in Hayes' 1-1 draw with City in pre-season.

One player heading for the exit at Clarence Park is Jamie Thurlbourne who has linked up with Mildenhall Town.

"Jamie needs first team football and I can't guarantee him that," said Castle. "I would also at some point like to get Scott Cousins back in so there's direct competition with Adam (Everitt). He goes with out best wishes."

City make their longest journey of the season this weekend when they travel to Weston-super-Mare.

James Fisher returns from suspension adding to Castle's options in midfield but the City boss is sweating on the fitness of David Galbraith.

"David Galbraith, who was carrying a knock on Saturday, is hopefully going to declare himself fully fit," explained Castle.

"Drew (Roberts) is out, maybe for another week or so though he was saying some quite positive things at training."

One player who has impressed in recent games and is pushing for a start is youngster Jonathan O'Donnell and Castle isn't ruling out a full debut for the former MK Dons man.

"He's got as good a chance as any," said the City boss. "His attitude is fantastic but it depends on whether David Galbraith declares himself fit - I wouldn't like to be pushed on it right now - but he hasn't done himself any harm."

Castle took the opportunity to play nine first team players in Tuesday night's reserve team game with City running out 2-1 winners against Enfield Town.

The City manager was pleased with the showing of midfield triumvirate Solomon Shields, Luke Thurlbourne and Fisher and praised the attitude of the players.

"It would have been nice if we'd come out of it with five or six goals, we created chances and had loads of possession," Castle said. "The three in midfield, who have done well in pre-season, were back on song and have worked well as a unit.

"Hopefully we can take that into Saturday. Their attitude was first class, they know they've got to respond, they started that on Tuesday and hopefully they'll continue it on Saturday.