Pars win striker Hunt

Stewart Petrie (left) could be moving from Dunfermline

Dunfermline Athletic are confident of securing the services of striker Noel Hunt from Shamrock Rovers on 1 January.

Pars chairman John Yorkston told BBC Sport Online that the player is "99 per cent certain" to be joining the Scottish Premier League club when the transfer window opens.

"We have agreed a fee and the only thing we are talking about now is how it is paid," he said.

The Irish club want the money up front while Dunfermline wish to pay depending on the player's appearances.

He wants to go to Dunfermline

Shamrock Rovers chairman Tony Maguire

Hunt spent three days training at East End Park last week and is also reported to be interesting a number of other clubs, including English First Division leaders Portsmouth.

Rovers, who are challenging at the top of the League of Ireland, had turned down an initial offer from Dunfermline, but the Pars upped their bid.

Rovers chairman Tony Maguire had told eleven-a-side.com: "We are not going to stand in the lad's way. He wants to go to Dunfermline.

"Dunfermline's offer was a very generous one, but the terms were a bit short."

Portsmouth's chief scout was on hand to see Hunt score against Derry City.

Dunfermline, lying in fourth place in the SPL, have been searching for a back-up for first-choice strikers Craig Brewster and Stevie Crawford and Hunt is likely to be their only signing during the transfer period.

Hunt is friendly with Dunfermline midfielder Gary Dempsey, the former Waterford United player who has recently extended his contract at East End.

Meanwhile, Yorkston confirmed that out-of-favour midfielder Davie Nicholls would return to former club Falkirk next week on loan to help with their bid for the First Division title.

The 30-year-old has failed to command a regular place after leaving Brockville in May 2001 and has made only five appearances for the Pars this season.

Yorkston also disclosed that several First Division clubs were interested in signing 32-year-old forward Stewart Petrie, who will be allowed to leave East End Park for free in his testimonial year with the club.