NEW boy Henry Makinwa reckons he can become Gretna's special one because he was once a target for Jose Mourinho. Portuguese managerial legend Mourinho was in charge of Uniao de Leiria in his homeland when he spent months trying to sign Makinwa. The Nigerian hitman was playing for Vitoria Setubal where Mourinho's dad Felix was director of football. And although the former Chelsea boss was desperate to land Makinwa he had to offload players to raise the cash. The man who went on to lead FC Porto to Champions League glory was left disappointed as the striker's contract expired and he was forced to make a decision. Henry joined Portuguese outfit Gil Vicente but Mourinho's pursuit of the 30-year-old hints at his ability considering the ex-Stamford Bridge gaffer's reputation as a talent spotter. And Gretna will be hoping Makinwa can show just why Mourinho wanted him when he makes his debut against Hearts today after cutting through the red tape that has so far kept him on the sidelines. The frontman, who also played under new Spurs boss Juande Ramos at Rayo Vallecano, said: "Mourinho lived in Setubal and knew me because I played with Setubal. "When he was going to Leiria and I was looking for a new club he said I should come with him. "My contract was nearly finished and I knew I was moving on. Jose's father was technical director of Setubal and I talked to Jose on the phone. He asked me to give him time to sign me but it got to the stage where I couldn't wait any longer and had to join another club. "However, after seeing what he has achieved it has always been good for my confidence to know he liked me as a player." Now there's only one man Makinwa wants to impress - Gretna boss Davie Irons. The striker, who has also had spells in Romania and China, said: "Scottish football is strong, fast and direct. In Portugal and Spain it is more a passing game. "I have only been here for three weeks so am still adjusting to it but I think the SPL will suit me. When I was playing in Portugal I was always advised to try Britain because everyone is fast and strong which are my qualities." Makinwa - who scored in an SPL reserve game against Rangers - could partner Fabian Yantorno at Fir Park today. Gaffer Irons has revealed the Uruguayan ace is on a mission to cash in on his talent and help his poverty-stricken family in South America. Yantorno has been one of the few shining lights for the SPL basement boys this season since moving from Miramar Misiones in his homeland and is the club's top scorer with three goals. The 25-year-old has a burning desire to make it to the top fuelled by his need to earn as much money as he can to help his family. Yantorno already sends some of his wages home to his parents in a poor part of Uruguayan capital Montevideo. Irons reckons the midfielder has what it takes to play in the English Premiership and revealed his determination can leave him in tears after defeats. Davie said: "Fabian has been a revelation. He has left his family in Uruguay and without going too much into his personal life it wasn't the most affluent part of the world. "He has an ambition to work and earn money for his family. I know he sends cash home to his mum and dad living in a poor part of Uruguay. "He wants to help them and if he can do that by playing football then good luck to him. "I see one of my roles as getting to knowplayers and finding out what makes them tick on and off the pitch, especially someone thousands of miles from home in a flat in Carlisle. "I've had lots of chats with Fabian about his life and it came out how he wanted to succeed in football for his family. "I think he is like most players and will look at England as the land of opportunity. "Fabian could certainly play for one of the top Championship clubs, perhaps even low level Premiership. "He desperately wants to succeed and is in tears after losing games. "He was devastated following the defeat by Celtic. That's how much it means to him." Irons knows the club will have to move quickly to keep Yantorno beyond the end of this season because his stand-out performances haven't gone unnoticed. He said: "It's obvious Fabian is a good player but he could do more with better team-mates around him. "I've had a lot of compliments about him from most managers we've played against. "It wouldn't surprise me if someone came in and took him away and I know his ambitions lie in playing at the highest level. "He only has a one-year deal so we will have to sit down soon to discuss a new one." | 
SPL 
