Saints kid McClean has returned to Northern Ireland in a loan deal

ST JOHNSTONE midfield player Kyle McClean has joined Northern Irish side Linfield on loan until the end of the season.

Linfield are currently leading the top division. They are managed by former Rangers and Northern Ireland international f o r war d David Healy.

McClean is a Northern Ireland U/21 international who has trained with the senior Irish side.

The 20-year-old is from Belfast, so the loan to Linfield is ideal for him.

Saints boss Tommy Wright, a former Linfield goalkeeper, recently said he was keen for McClean to get some first-team experience and that will now be the case.

McClean was previously with Crusaders and joined Saints nearly two years ago after being released by Nottingham Forest.

The player’s Saints action has been restricted to Reserve League football and a couple of early League Cup appearances this campaign and Wright believes it’s a good chance for the young midfielder to continue his progression.

“It’s a good move for Kyle,” said Tommy.

“He’ll have to fight hard for his place in a side which is doing very well this season.

“The league is a good standard and it has really improved in recent years. It’s a great opportunity for Kyle to get some game time and experience regular first-team football.”

Saints are hoping to get other players out on loan.

They are also looking to get players in with Inverness Caley Thistle midfielder Liam Polworth being linked with a move to McDiarmid Park.

He is out of contract with the Highland club in the summer so is free to pen a pre-contract. It remains to be seen if Perth i s his destination.

St Johnstone midfielder Kyle McClean.