PERTH MEN CONFIRM GORMLEY’S RELEASE

ST JOHNSTONE have confirmed they have released on-loan Peterborough striker Joe Gormley.

The Northern Irishman joined Tommy Wright’s Perth men this summer as he looked to get his career back on track after a serious knee injury.

But the former Cliftonville frontman — who cost his parent club £50,000 when he made the move from his homeland last year — has failed to cope with full-time football and has struggled with homesickness.

The 26-year-old has now returned to Belfast after asking both Peterborough and St Johnstone to rip up his contracts, with reports suggesting he is once again back training with Cliftonville.

His Saints deal was due to run t o January but Gormley still had 18 months left on his Posh agreement.

St Johnstone said in a statement: “Striker Joe Gormley has indicated to Saints he will not be returning t o McDiarmid Park or parent club Peterborough United as he seeks an exit from football and a return to his previous full-time job.

“The striker joined Saints on loan from Peterborough United at the close of the summer transfer window as he attempted to get his career back on track following a serious injury.

“However, he indicated to both clubs recently that he was unhappy in full-time football and i ntended to return to his home in Belfast and has since done so.”