Today it was announced that 19-year-old Mark McLennan made a return to the Club after being released at the end of last season. Saints manager Danny Lennon is glad that the youngster proved that he is more than worth a second chance.

He said, "Mark has done very well with us over the pre-season. It just shows you sometimes how players can slip through the net.

"We all have our own ideas on what we are looking for in a player but the boy has done well, so for the Club to invest that many years in his development I just felt was a waste.

"Mark is certainly a player I like, the way he has gone about his business has impressed us so the boy deserves his opportunity."

While Mark is coming back into the fold, Jon McShane is heading over the Erskine Bridge to join Dumbarton on loan until the New Year. Danny reckons this is a good move for the youngster.

He said, "Jon is away to Dumbarton on loan for six months, a move which I believe will help his development.

"These boys have to get out there and play at a decent level but it must be to the right type of club and the right type of manager that goes about their business in the proper manner, and Jim Chapman fits that bill as he looks to play football the right way."

So with one player coming in and another going out on loan things looks to be settling a bit with the squad.

Danny explained, "The squad is close to being complete but I do still have some money in the kitty, although I won't be spending it unless I see somebody that can enhance our team.

"At the moment there isn't anyone in particular catching my eye, so I'll not be spending what money we have left just for the sake of it."

As Saints get set to head to Northern Ireland Danny confirms that there are a couple of injury worries: "David Barron has a tweak in his knee from the game the other night but he did some light training today.

"So for now he is out with Lee Mair but both of them will travel to Ireland."

Talking of Northern Ireland, while Danny knows that this tour is about honing fitness and match practice he also believes that it is every bit as much about a gelling process for the squad.

He said, "While playing the games will be important, this tour is as much about team bonding as the players will all be living together for five days so they will get to know the ins and outs about each other.

"Where we will be staying, we have wonderful training facilities at our disposal so we will be using the full five days to its maximum.

"It is an intensive programme of three fixtures over five days which is why we are taking the full squad with us."

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