FERDINAND BOOST FOR SAINTS’ RELEGATION FIGHT

ST MIRREN last night received a boost in their battle to beat the drop after Anton Ferdinand signed a contract extension until the end of the season. The ex-West Ham defender joined the Buddies on a short-term deal back in September and has made 14 appearances. On a busy day for the Paisley club, boss Oran Kearney also sealed the return of winger Kyle McAllister on loan from Derby and goalkeeper Jordan Holmes on a similar deal from Bournemouth. However, it was the retention of veteran Ferdinand which will have delighted Saints fans. ‘It’s taken a bit of time, but we’ve had respect for Anton and he has been respectful to us, as well,’ said Kearney, whose team host former Saints skipper Jim Goodwin’s in-form Alloa side in the Scottish Cup today. The Wasps swooped last night to sign Celtic striker Jack Aitchison on loan for the rest of the season. ‘Anton’s presence about the place has been brilliant both on and off the pitch,’ continued Saints boss Kearney. ‘It’s a big boost for everybody.’ McAllister, meanwhile, made 17 appearances for Saints before being sold to Derby aged 17 two years ago — but has yet to make his first-team breakthrough at Pride Park. ‘I’m very pleased to have Kyle in,’ continued Kearney. ‘Number one, you want to get good players in, but I also think it’s very important to have people who have come through the club and know what it is about. ‘Kyle had a great start to his career here and got his move to Derby. ‘He’s someone I’ve been aware of since I joined the club with people talking about him. He’s fully fit at this point in time and we can’t wait to get him in and get him started.’ McAllister is joined by 21-year-old Australian goalkeeper Holmes, who joined the Cherries back in 2013 and signed a new deal at the end of the 2017/18 season. ‘Obviously Danny Rogers was out for a period of time earlier in the season with a knee injury and he has hurt the knee again,’ said Kearney. ‘There’s been a scan there and it looks like he might be out again for another period of time. ‘With that, it opens the door for Jordan. He is someone we know through sources in the game and he has a good pedigree.’