REDDITCH United were talking to a former international on Monday night after the 2-1 defeat at Solihull Borough.

Manager Rod Brown and coach Kim Casey were deep in talks with former Tamworth, Worcester and Halesowen Town striker Gary Smith.

And Brown said he was '75 per cent' certain of securing Smith's signature.

The veteran forward has been in the international wilderness for two years but has starred alongside former Crystal Palace striker Bobby Bowry for the Caribbean island of St Kitts and Nevis.

Smith joined Dr Martens Western Division side Gresley after being released by Halesowen in the close season and Brown wants to bring him to the Valley as the club continues to spend some of the dividend gained from a lucrative FA Cup run.

The Reds boss has already drafted in former Wolves youngster Nicky Clark to fill the left back role and West Brom trainee Mark Scott.

But Clark's impressive spell at the Valley could be shortlived with the youngster set for the final day of a trial at third division Scunthorpe United.

Scott was missing from the line-up last night because of work commitments and is on a college course for tomorrow's (Thursday) Worcestershire Senior Cup trip to Sutton Coldfield Town but made a goalscoring debut in Saturday's 2-1 win over Bedworth.

Another weekend scorer was fellow new arrival Jimmy Quiggin, who joined from Halesowen Town last week.

The forward made an instant impact but was left as a lone striker on Monday and is doubtful for tomorrow's game (ko 7.30pm) after picking up a dead leg.

Bromsgrove Rovers forward Richard Burgess has turned down a switch to the Valley after being given assurances about his first team place at the Victoria Ground.

Rod Brown made a seven day approach for the forward last week.

The Reds boss warned he would have to release some of his squad after tying up the deal to make Smith his fifth new arrival in a fortnight.

Tomorrow's cup tie, described as 'a bit of a nuisance' by Brown, is followed by the visit of Gloucester City in the league on Saturday (ko 3pm) and a trip to Nigel Clough's Conference newcomers Burton Albion in the Birmingham Senior Cup next Wednesday (ko 7.30pm).

Winger Matty Hall (fractured cheek) is at least a month away from a first team comeback and defender Neil Manton (broken nose) has yet to return.

Quiggin is likely to return at the weekend with Scott in the frame for Saturday.