Cleary set to swap Dundalk for Saints

Daniel Cleary has confirmed he is leaving Dundalk, with St Johnstone set to sign the former Liverpool centre-back.

The 25-year-old posted a message on Twitter to say his goodbyes to everyone involved with the Dublin club, where he won five trophies.

Saints manager Callum Davidson reported earlier this week that he was “very hopeful” Cleary would be arriving at Mcdiarmid Park when the January transfer window opened.

He had several options in Ireland but it is understood that he has made up his mind to move to Scotland.

Cleary started out with Liverpool and was then transferred to Birmingham City before he returned to his homeland.

Saints have already snapped up free agents Viv Solomonotabor (until the end of this year) and Jacob Butterfield (until the end of the season).

Meanwhile, Saints defender Reece Devine is ready for a quickfire second start at the weekend.

The on-loan Manchester United full-back was one of Saints’ best players in Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat to Rangers.

And, with Callum Booth rested for that one, it was a performance that has given Davidson a selection dilemma ahead of tomorrow’s trip to face Motherwell.

“I’ve been training hard and will always be ready when the manager calls upon me,” said Devine, who turns 20 on the day of the game.

“I always try to do my best. “I’m staying fit, doing the right things and I got my chance again on Wednesday.

“The last 10 minutes I was cramping up a little bit but I think that is expected. I’ll be all right. All the boys want to play games.”

Belief that Saints will start moving up the Premiership table hasn’t been diminished as a result of their fifth successive defeat, according to Devine.

“We’re in a difficult position at the minute but if we show spirit and keep working hard, we know we will get points,” he said.

“We have two massive games coming up – Motherwell and then Ross County – so we are now focused on them.

“The boys are staying positive and our heads are just on the next game.”