St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson 'very happy' with transfer business despite van Veen loan miss

Stephen Robinson claimed his St Mirren squad is as “strong as it’s ever been” after missing out on Dutch striker Kevin van Veen on transfer deadline day.

Kilmarnock, three points ahead of the fifth-placed Saints in the cinch Premiership table, fended off competition from the Paisley club and Motherwell to sign the 32-year-old from Groningen on loan until the end of the season.

Robinson confirmed his interest in Van Veen, who scored 29 goals for the Steelmen last term, ahead of the trip to Hibernian on Saturday but insisted the loan signings of Kwon Hyeok-kyu, James Scott and Jaden Brown in January, to add to the earlier arrival of Elvis Bwomono, leaves his squad in good shape.

He said: “I think everybody in Scotland was looking at Kevin. When he became available it is something that you have to look at as a club but nothing came of it. It was a lead we followed at the last minute.

“Kevin is a player who has done very well in Scottish football so everybody in the league would be interested in him in some form or another but it wasn’t to be.

“We were quite happy with the business we had already done so it was a case of seeing if there was anything that could improve us but nothing came to fruition so we turned our phones off nice and early. I was in bed for 10 o’clock.

“I’m really happy with the signings we made and we have a really strong squad.

Kevin van Veen sealed a deadline day move to Kilmarnock despite interest from Motherwell and St Mirren. Photo: SNS Group. SNS Group

“For the resources we have at the club, I believe our squad is as strong as it’s ever been at St Mirren.

“You have to live within your means and we do it diligently. Of course you try to stretch your resources as far as you can to be successful but I am very happy with what we have got.

“There’s no doubt players like Kevin van Veen have done really well in Scottish football before but it is up to us to step up now with the squad that we are very confident in.”

By contrast, Hibs had a busy transfer deadline day.

Nick Montgomery signed two young centre-backs on loan, landing Nectarios Triantis from Sunderland and Owen Bevan from Bournemouth until the end of the season.

Hibs also brought in 18-year-old Spanish forward Eliezer Mayenda on loan from the Black Cats.

Robinson said: “We are aware of them. Whether Nick decides they are ready to start after coming in late last night, that will be his call. But our players will be well versed in them.

“We know what we are going to get from Hibs, they have some very talented players, a lot of pace in the team and they are a good side and we have to be at the top of our game to get points.”

Robinson is one of several managers linked with the vacant managerial post at Aberdeen following the sacking of Barry Robson.

However, the Northern Irishman was giving speculation short shrift, saying: “I’m bored of it now. I have a big enough job to do here. My full focus is here.”