Stephen Robinson is optimistic that Declan John will extend his stay at St Mirren.
The 29-year-old Wales defender signed a short-term deal to join the Buddies from Bolton in November and that ends in January.
John has made only two substitute appearances so far but will replace the suspended Scott Tanser for the William Hill Premiership visit of Rangers on Boxing Day and the Saints boss expect to see more of him.
“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,” said Robinson.
“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.
“He was a bit unlucky with that. So hopefully he’ll be OK to go for Thursday’s game.”
Former Rangers defender John said: “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 was happy to come up here and sign, I know the league fairly well from when I was up here previously. So, it’s been all good so far.”
Saints boss Robinson also revealed skipper Mark O’Hara, thought to be out for four to six weeks with a thigh problem, is “maybe not as bad as we first feared” and could be back sooner.
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