Barnet have signed former Peterborough United and Hull City striker Aaron McLean on a short-term deal, despite Martin Allen stressing he was happy with his squad last week.

The 32-year-old striker joins the Bees after leaving Bradford City at the end of the season.

McLean, who spent part of the 2014/15 campaign on loan at Peterborough United, shot to prominence during his first spell at London Road, netting 83 times in 178 starts in all competitions.

Allen was asked after Barnet's opening-day defeat at Leyton Orient whether he would seek further additions to his squad but was dismissive.

He said: “I don’t know, we have got 19 players, that is it. Wycombe got in the play-off final with 18 so you do not need that many players, do you? 

“These players are good players, don’t worry about that. These players will win games and they will win games.”

Speaking to the club website after signing, McLean said: “I’m buzzing to have joined Barnet and I just can’t wait to get started. 

“I’m a London lad, so being back in London is brilliant for me. 

“I know a few of the players here already, and then there’s the chance to come and work with Martin Allen. 

“He’s different to a lot of managers; I look at the way he manages and I quite admire him."

It was McLean's form at Grays Athletic which tempted Posh into signing the Hammersmith-born striker and after initially joining on loan in October 2006, he made the move permanent in January for a fee of £150,000.

After four years and two promotions at Peterborough, McLean joined Championship side Hull City in December 2010 after submitting a written transfer request to force a move from London Road.

But in 49 league starts for the Tigers McLean managed just nine goals and after short loan stays at Ipswich Town and Birmingham City, he eventually joined League One Bradford City in January 2014 for an undisclosed fee.

McLean failed to re-capture the form which saw him shine in League One for Peterborough whilst at Valley Parade and scored six times in 25 league starts for Phil Parkinson's Bantams.

Re-signed by the Posh for a second loan spell last season, McLean scored once in ten starts but assisted former player Grant McCann as rookie boss Dave Robertson's assistant. 

McLean's career had begun at Leyton Orient and he scored twice in five league starts - and 35 appearances from the substitutes' bench - before joining Aldershot Town 2003 and latterly Grays in 2005.