Oran is on his way

Kearney set for Saints

St Mirren look set to announce Coleraine boss Oran Kearney as the club’s new manager today.

Express Sport understands St Mirren could confirm Kearney as early as this afternoon following discussions with The Bannsiders.

St Mirren chiefs were last night still locked in negotiations over a deal to bring the Northern Irishman to Paisley.

However, all going well, the 40-year-old will be confirmed this afternoon and unveiled on Monday morning.

The Buddies board moved quickly to identify their number one target following the sacking of Alan Stubbs on Monday evening.

An approach was made for Kearney on Tuesday and initial talks were positive and an offer was made to the former Linfield midfielder the following day.

Coleraine chairman Colin McKendry yesterday confirmed the approach for his manager and admitted he had a choice to make.

He said: “St Mirren have made an offer and Oran is giving it careful consideration.

“There is a lot to take in and obviously it is a big decision for Oran, one that goes beyond football.

“We are putting no pressure on Oran, but I would expect a decision to be made one way or another within the next 24 hours.”

It now appears that Kearney has opted to make the switch to Scotland as he prepares to follow in the footsteps of his father-in-law Kenny Shiels, the former Kilmarnock boss.

Kearney narrowly lost out to Stubbs after being interviewed for the post earlier in the summer.

I would expect a decision to be made one way or another within the next 24 hours