TAKE MATT!
Stubbs wins battle of the Scottish Saints to land Old Trafford youngster Willock on loan
ST MIRREN last night completed the loan signing of Manchester United midfielder Matty Willock.
The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season farmed out to St Johnstone.
But the Paisley Saints moved to pip their Perthshire namesakes to land the player on a season-long deal.
Speaking ahead of this afternoon’s Betfred Cup tie against Dumbarton at The Simple Digital Arena, Willock said: ‘I’m really delighted.
‘I spoke to the gaffer and he really sold me on the way he wants the team to progress this season.
‘I know what I am coming into. I know the tempo of the game is really quick so hopefully my experience last season stands me in good stead.
‘I’m a midfielder, I work hard, I try to drive forward with the ball and will hopefully chip in with some goals and assists.’
St Mirren have drawn their three games in Group H, winning three penalty shoot-outs, the last against amateur side Queen’s Park at Hampden on Tuesday night.
That leaves the newly-promoted Buddies a point behind leaders Kilmarnock, who host Queen’s Park today.
With only the group winners and the four best runners-up going through to the last 16, Saints could face the end of the line in the competition today.
‘There is a lot of ifs and maybes at the moment,’ said Stubbs. ‘If Kilmarnock don’t win we could finish the group on top. There are lots of permutations but the only thing I am interested in is winning the game.
‘Then if we do our bit, we can see where we finish and whether we have progressed.’
Elsewhere in Group H, Killie No 2 Alex Dyer called on the Rugby Park side to show patience to seal top spot and a place in the knockouts.
Steve Clarke’s assistant said: ‘It will be a tough game against Queen’s Park. They will come here, sit and try to make it difficult for us. We have to be patient and play the way we do with a little bit of attitude as well and try to get the goals, get the win and finish top of our group.’
Meanwhile, Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson has backed Charles Dunne to be ‘stronger and fitter’ when he returns from a lengthy injury lay-off.
The defender is set to have surgery on a groin problem picked up in the Betfred Cup tie against Stranraer last week and will likely be out for a minimum of four months.
‘It is disappointing with the form Charles has been in and how good he was last season,’ said Robinson, whose side will top Group G if they win against Clyde at Broadwood today.
‘He is a player who is very hard to replace at this level with his pace and he was attracting a lot of interest.
‘It is important we get him fit and back as quick as we can.
‘Charles is the most positive person you could ever meet. He has such a positive outlook and is a joy to work with.
‘He will come back stronger and fitter, I have no doubt, and the interest that was shown in him will come back again as well.’
As Dundee conclude their Group D campaign, boss Neil McCann urged his side to go for the jugular against part-time Brechin City as they bid to book their place in the last 16.
The Dens Park side are three points behind leaders Dunfermline after winning at Peterhead in midweek and have loaned out Canadian striker Marcus Haber to Championship side Falkirk for the season.
‘We have a fair idea of what we need to do but winning is the most important thing,’ said McCann.
‘But we know what we have to do. I had strong words with the players after the (home defeat against) Dunfermline.
‘It was a better performance against Peterhead in midweek but we are now at home again and we need to put on a performance.’
St Johnstone travel to Station Park in Group B hoping to advance at the expense of Perth legend Jim Weir’s Forfar side.
And having missed out on bringing Willock back to McDiarmid Park, Saints boss Tommy Wright hopes a cup windfall can help him land another central midfielder to be the last piece in his summer transfer window jigsaw.
‘We have done well in the transfer market so far,’ said Wright, with attacking trio Drey Wright, Tony Watt and Matty Kennedy all secured.
‘I would like to get a central midfielder. We may have to trim the squad but there is also the Betfred Cup.
‘If we manage to get through this weekend then the picture looks a bit clearer financially.’