ALLAN JOHNSTON has hailed the capture of Andy Ryan but wants to make further additions before the transfer window shuts.

The Pars manager’s chase for the 22-year-old Airdrie striker came to a successful conclusion when he signed a two-year deal on Tuesday morning for an undisclosed fee, bringing the number of summer recruits to six.

Johnston has admitted to being frustrated in pursuit of other players to bolster his squad but, speaking to Press Sport, he said of Ryan: “We’ve been tracking him for a couple of months and been speaking to Airdrie so it was good to finally get it over the line.

“You can see he doesn’t lack confidence – he’s a finisher and is in the right place at the right time. You can’t teach people that and it’s good that he’s scored (two on his debut against Arbroath). Hopefully he can do that again at the weekend.

“We are trying (to make further signings) but it’s very frustrating at times. It’s not through a lack of trying but we’ll get there.”

While he’d like to add at least one more new face to his pool, Johnston has been thrilled with their encouraging start to the season that sees them lie second in the table after two matches.

Saturday’s 5-1 romp over Inverness – immediately on the back of a chastening six-goal drubbing at Rangers in the Betfred Cup – particularly pleased the Athletic boss ahead of this weekend’s derby showdown with Falkirk.

“The boys showed a lot of determination and spirit because they could quite easily have had their heads down,” Johnston continued.

“We wanted to make sure there was a reaction and we got that. We scored in the first couple of minutes and then after that I thought some of the football was really good.

“Obviously we scored a few goals and could’ve scored a couple more but it was a really good team performance.

“We’ve started the season well and we need to make sure we continue that. There’s a long way to go but there’s positive signs there.

“Falkirk’s a massive one for us and for the fans as well. They’re probably one of the teams that we’ve not done as well against as we should have and we know they’ll be up there challenging towards the end of the season. It’s a good test.”

Following Myles Hippolyte’s controversial dive that led to Falkirk staging a comeback win in April, an already fiery game will have an added edge in the stands but Johnston added: “I think there was enough said at the end of that game. It’s a totally different game with a different set of players but it’s still a derby and one we want to win.

“They’ll be fired up and I’m sure it’ll be a great atmosphere and we need a bit of composure but have to match the physical side as well.

“They still have a really strong squad so it would give everyone a massive lift to beat them. We’ve got to make sure we continue to put in good performances.”