SWINDON Wildcats’ search for an import forward has come to an end after Ryan Aldridge secured the services of former Czech international Jan Kostal.

Wildcats have been hunting for a replacement for the axed Juha Silvander for three weeks and head coach Aldridge revealed on Sunday that bringing in new blood for this weekend was his top priority.

Aldridge has managed to do just that by convincing the 33-year-old Kostal, who has plenty of experience in the Czech top-flight, to put pen to paper on a deal at Swindon.

“Apart from possessing a wealth of high-level experience, he’s a shooter and a hard-working guy on and off the ice,” said Aldridge.

“I wanted an all-round player with a good shot and his speed and work ethic is going to pay dividends for us.

“When you compare him to the other Czech guys in our league, he’s played at that level a lot longer.

“Playing in this league is going to be very different for him but I’m sure he’s looking forward to it.

“Jonas (Hoog) needs a goalscorer to play alongside so I’ve got a pretty good idea where he’s going to sit in.”

Last week Aldridge went to watch a Polish forward in action in his homeland but a switch failed to materialise, with the head coach turning to Kostal instead.

But the Link Centre chief insists that his new signing - who has one international appearance to his name - should not be considered second-choice as he was unavailable when the search for a new forward commenced.

“The guy I went to see just didn’t come off although I really wanted him to - we couldn’t come to a deal with the agent,” said Aldridge.

“They had to wait until a certain date to make a decision and we needed someone in as soon as possible.

“Jan wasn’t even available when I went to watch this guy and from contacts I’ve spoken to, he comes very highly-recommended.”

Kostal, who shoots right and can play on either wing, has played for HC Karlovy Vary in the Czech Extraliga for the majority of his career.

He was assistant captain there in 2011/12 and 2012/13 but is yet to play a game yet this campaign. Last season he totalled three goals and seven assists in 52 appearances.

The forward will meet his new teammates at training tonight and will ice for Wildcats for the first time in Saturday’s EPL trip to Slough.