Mullen inksdeal withthe Buddies

ST MIRREN last night signed Livingston striker Danny Mullen on an emergency loan until January – before the player signs a permanent deal in Paisley.

The Lions confirmed Mullen had agreed to join Saints after the club shelled out a five-figure sum to secure his services.

Mullen’s Livi contract expires in the summer and the 22-year-old had intimated to the West Lothian club that he wished to leave.

St Mirren boss Jack Ross was thrilled to have landed such a talented player.

The manager said: “I’m surprised we were able to get a player of Danny’s quality.

“He’s a player I’ve been aware of since he was a teenager at Livingston and I’ve always kept an eye on his progress.

“I’ve always felt he’s a player who would get an opportunity at the highest level in Scotland. I’m really pleased to bring him into the squad.” MICHAEL O’NEILL’S success in his role as Northern Ireland manager has made him a wanted man.

And although happy in his post and with an improved contract offer from his employers waiting to be signed he admits he would be willing to talk to any potential suitors.

However, there would be no guarantee he would walk away from the role he enjoys with his country.

The SFA have been making eyes at O’Neill for some time now, impressed by the stunning job he has done with Northern Ireland, taking the team from no-hopers to the last 16 of last year’s European Championship.

And but for a dodgy penalty in their World Cup play-off against Switzerland back in November the former Brechin City manager could have been leading his country to the finals of international football’s premier tournament in Russia next summer.

Even before Gordon Strachan, far right, was sacked in October, many pundits and fans were suggesting O’Neill should be the top target to replace him.

Chief executive Stewart Regan, right, and the SFA suits agree the 48-year-old is the man to take Scotland to their first major finals since the 1998 World Cup in France. The problem for them now is to land the Open University graduate who has a mind for figures as well as football.

To start official talks with O’Neill the SFA would have to commit to paying £500,000 in compensation to the IFA if they were successful in getting their man.

In his first interview since the crushing loss to the Swiss O’Neill has pointed out