Paul's experience can be crucial in title run in

The Fifers aren’t short of options up front when the Austin brothers, Jamie Insall and Kevin Smith are all available.

But Naysmith says McManus’s impact can go beyond what is achieved on the pitch as the Fifers aim to close in on a League Two title victory.

“Paul has signed here for next to nothing and has been in and around the club for eight weeks now,” said the boss. “George (Good, East Fife physio) has him back through the final stages of his rehab.

“Paul has taken the view that he likes what he sees and if he contributes something from now until the end of the season then great.

“What he’s wanting is to show enough that I offer him a contract for next season.

“If he gives us anything on the pitch it’s a bonus but already in the changing room he’s been showing encouragement. We have a lot of young players in the squad so he’s contributing in the changing room already.

“Paul has won a couple of leagues so with the money the chairman agreed with him it was a no-brainer to bring him in. We don’t know how long the season is going to go on for so he may still play a part.”

McManus has a long history with the Methil club, having come through the ranks as a youth player.

From there he has returned after spells at clubs including Raith Rovers, Stranraer and Brechin.