Ex-Saint wishes pals all the best

Stevie Mallan expects his former Saints teammates to smash into the top four of the Scottish Championship this season.

The talented 21- year- old is Barnsley bound this summer, but says he will keep a keen eye on developments in Paisley.

Mallan completed his bumper £ 200,000 move to the English Championship side earlier in the summer, but St Mirren will still get some of his attention.

He said: “St Mirren will always be in my heart. I was with the club since I was four years old, so they will always be special to me.

“Obviously, I will be down the road at Barnsley, but whenever I’m up the road I will try and get out to watch some games.

“They have always helped me a lot throughout my whole career.

“There are guys in the team like Jack Baird and Lewis Morgan who I grew up with, so I’ll be keeping in touch with them.”

Mallan added: “I know Saints have the squad and the players to get into the top four, if not higher.”

The creative midfielder believes Saint gaffer Jack Ross is making all the right moves in the transfer window.

“I spoke to the manager before I left and he said he was looking to bring in boys with a bit of quality.

“It w o u l d be very disappointing if they don’t break in the top four,” he added.

“I wish them all best for the coming season.”

And, with pre-season with his new side just weeks away, Mallan is just eager to get going.

He explained: “I start back around June 24, so I’m really looking forward to getting in and meeting my new teammates.

“It is something I have never done before, so it will be good.”