Popescu keen to extend his stay in Paisley

Mihai Popescu has revealed he wants to stay at St Mirren.

The 25-year-old defender came on a six-month loan from Dinamo Bucharest in January and the Buddies have an option to buy him at the end of the season. The Romanian has become a key member of Oran Kearney’s side, who escaped the basement of the Ladbrokes Premiership on Saturday with a 2-1 home win over fellow strugglers Dundee.

Ahead of the visit of league leaders Celtic tonight, he said: “I’m on loan here and St Mirren have an opportunity to buy me, if I play well, of course.

“I want to stay here longer but they will decide if my performance here is good or not. I have spoken with the coach and I told him that I like it here.

“I like the atmosphere, the football here, I like everything so I want to keep going here at St Mirren.”

Saints leapfrogged Dundee with their victory at the Simple Digital Arena and have seven games remaining in their bid to get away from the relegation zone.

However, the Paisley side are now preparing to take on the league leaders, who are closing in on their eighth successive title.

“I know it is a big game,” said Popescu. “I played against them in my second game. This one will be different, we play at home. I don’t care which team we play against, we play at home and we need to go on the pitch with our mind on victory. We needed the victory on Saturday for our morale and we need to continue this good form.”