Derek Niven could sign for Grimsby Town within days

DEREK Niven has proved his worth to Grimsby Town and is expected to sign a deal within days.

The former Chesterfield skipper has been on trial with the Mariners and played the second half of Wednesday's friendly with Grimsby Borough.

And, after only being with the club for a short time, Hurst said that the management duo have already seen enough of the 28-year-old to offer him a contract.

The joint-boss added that he hoped they would be in a position to announce a deal for the combative Scotsman by the early part of next week.

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Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: We're hopeful that we can sort a deal with Derek.

"We've spoken to him already and we're very optimistic on that.

"When I first spoke with Derek about him coming in, I told him that we were looking for something different.

"Derek's main strengths are breaking play up, being a ball winner and he's shown that from the first day that he came to us.

"He is a leader as well and that will probably come out more now because you don't want to come across too sure of yourself or being too vocal when you're not sure if you're going to be at a football club.

"Hopefully we'll be able to announce something at the start of the week – there's always things that can change but both parties are keen to get it finalised."

Hurst confirmed that Niven will play a part in this afternoon's game against Gainsborough Trinity (3pm), adding that he has settled in well with the rest of the Town squad during his trial spell.

"This afternoon is about him getting another game with the lads, getting to know them better and fitting in with the group" he said.

"He's fitted in well with the squad already and the lads have already commented on his high fitness levels because he's always at the front of the running in training.

"For us, that's really good to see because it proves what a good pro he is and how well he's looked after himself over the summer.

"Everyone that we've spoken to about Derek can't speak highly enough of him.

"He's the right sort of character that we want to introduce to our squad.

"In the short time that he's been here, he's already earned the respect of everyone at the football club."