McCart drafted in to fill defence gap
Last-minute signing sees Celt join Saints on 93-day loan deal
St Mirren have confirmed the signing of Celtic defender Jamie McCart on an emergency loan deal.
The 20- year- old has arrived on a 93-day deal as Saints battle with a defensive crisis ahead of Sunday’s clash with Queen of the South.
McCart’s signing will come as a relief to manager Jack Ross, who was faced with the prospect of having Jack Baird as his only fit centre back.
Suspensions to Adam Eckersley and Gregor Buchanan, combined with injuries for Gary MacKenzie and Harry Davis would have left Saints short at the back for the welcome of the Doonhamers.
McCart comes to Paisley off the back of a loan spell at Inverness Caledonian Thistle last season, where he made 11 league appearances during the Highlanders’ ill-fated campaign, which ultimately saw them relegated to the Championship.
And he revealed he is delighted for the deal to be sealed.
McCart said: “I’m excited to be here and get the opportunity for some more first team football.
“Hopefully, I can come in, prove myself in the team and progress as a player while I’m here.”
The defender is held in high regard at Celtic Park, having been handed his top team debut by Brendan Rodgers against Motherwell in the League Cup last August.
McCar t has also been recognised at international level, having made two appearances for the under-19s in 2016, before graduating to the under- 21s earlier this year, where he made his debut alongside Stevie Mallan and Lewis Morgan in a clash with Estonia at the Paisley 2021 Stadium.
Saints boss Jack Ross added: “Jamie is a player I’ve known and watched for a while.
“One of the biggest advantages is that he has experienced first team football in the second half of last season at Inverness. I’m looking forward to him getting involved with us and I think he’s a good fit for us.”
Meanwhile, St Mi r ren youngster Darren Whyte has joined League One side Forfar Athletic on a similar emergency loan.
The youngster, who made his debut against Dumbarton in Alex Rae’s last game in charge last season, has featured on the subs’ bench this season.
Whyte will link up with former St Mirren coach Stuart Balmer at Station Park, with Balmer currently acting as the club’s caretaker manager following the sacking of Gary Bollan at the start of the week.
A club spokesman said: “The 20-year-old will link up with the Angus side for 93 days to provide defensive cover.
“Whyte, a St Mirren Youth Academy graduate, has made four appearances for the Buddies first team — the latest of which came in the 3-0 win over Dundee United in the Ladbrokes Championship last month.
“Everyone at St Mirren wishes Darren all the best in his loan spell.”
Hopefully, I can come in and prove myself as a player Jamie McCart