St Mirren sign Celtic midfielder Hyeokkyu Kwon on-loan until end of season

St Mirren have confirmed the loan signing of Celtic player Hyeokkyu Kwon.

The South Korean midfielder, who signed for the Hoops from Busan I-Park in the summer, has joined Stephen Robinson’s men until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old has been unable to break into Brendan Rodgers’ side as he competes with the likes of Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, Paulo Bernardo and David Turnbull for a place in the middle of the park.

Despite playing in pre-season, and being part of a few match-day squads, he is yet to make a competitive appearance for the first team this season after signing a five-year-deal.

With Keanu Baccus away with Australia as part of their Asian Cup squad, the Saints manager admitted it was an area that he was keen to add to.

Robinson said: “He’s a player that comes highly recommended. Celtic were very keen for him to come to us which is a complement to the coaching staff here.

“He’s played a lot of games in South Korea and was signed by Celtic for big money. It was an area we needed to strengthen in midfield and with Keanu away at the Asian Cup it was important that we strengthened there.

“We believe that he will come in and add that strength.

“He breaks up play really well and he can start play really well for us as well. I’ve had some good conversations with Brendan Rodgers about him and we’re delighted to have him in.”