The Perth club’s back-up keeper Mark Paston needs a shoulder operation, so their need for a new goalie is acute.

Trialist defender Steven McKeown has returned to Leeds and Saints will monitor his progress. Unfortunately, Steven was unwell during his week-long McDiarmid Park stint.

The club have learned that striker Andy Jackson is in the Republic of Ireland U/18 squad to face Malta away in a double-header on February 6 and 8.

Meawhile, Saints were at Dundee University today to undergo advanced fitness checks.