St Mirren Manager Robinson Hopeful of Extending Declan John’s Contract

Stephen Robinson, manager of St Mirren, has expressed his “optimism” regarding ongoing discussions with defender Declan John, anticipating that the Wales international will remain with the club until at least the summer. John, 29, joined the team in November on a short-term agreement set to expire in January. Despite having made only two appearances as a substitute thus far, he is slated to start in place of the suspended Scott Tanser when Rangers visit on Boxing Day. Robinson elaborated on the situation, stating: “It was short term initially but we’re speaking to Declan currently about extending that deal, because we feel he’s been very good cover. He’s getting the fitness, he’s played at very good levels, and he’s added a bit of quality to us. And it’s important that Scott has that competition, and they’re both fighting to be the number one. I’m optimistic, at least until the end of the season. He’s enjoyed himself without getting the game time. He was due to start on Saturday (at Ross County), but ended up coming down with an illness overnight in the hotel.” Declan John, a former Rangers defender, commented on the discussions from his perspective: “We have been having a chat with the club over the last week or so, so we’ll see where things go. When I got the phone call, it was an easy decision for me to come up. I know the league fairly well from when I was up here previously. So, it’s been all good so far.” In other team news, Robinson also provided an update on captain Mark O’Hara, who was initially expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a thigh injury. The manager indicated that the injury is “maybe not as bad as we first feared” and suggested O’Hara could return sooner than anticipated.