Goodwin expecting German striker to be too good for Buddies

JIM Goodwin admits Collin Quaner is too good to be at St Mirren as he predicted the German will move on to bigger and better things this summer.

Former Huddersfield striker Quaner has joined Saints on a six-month deal as he looks to kick-start his stalled career.

The 29-year-old racked up stints with Fortuna Dusseldorf, Hansa Rostock and Union Berlin in his homeland before moving to England in 2017.

He helped the Terriers win promotion from the Championship during his first season in Yorkshire, then registered 25 Premier League appearances the following year as David Wagner’s new boys staved off relegation.

However, Quaner played just seven more games for Huddersfield before being released and has spent the last six months training with Bundesliga strugglers Schalke.

But Goodwin – who is now looking forward to pairing Quaner with fellow new recruit Eamonn Brophy – is convinced

Quaner could still operate at the highest level.

The Irishman said: “Collin has played at a high level and if he reaches that level again, he’ll probably be too good for us and will get a better opportunity to go somewhere else in the summer.

“Hopefully it works out well for everyone and the big man gets a good move on the back of it.”

Quaner was denied the chance to make his Buddies debut during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Motherwell as he has yet to join Saints’ Covid testing bubble but Brophy did make his bow having completed a move from Kilmarnock.

St Mirren had Jamie McGrath’s controversial penalty with 12 minutes left to thank for their point as Devante Cole’s first-half opener was cancelled out.

Lee Erwin hit the deck as he tangled with Declan Gallagher and Bevis Mugabe but there was no clear sign of illegal contact as new Well boss Graham Alexander was denied a winning start.

Jim Goodwin: Signed Quaner on six-month deal.