Jim Goodwin tells Jamie McGrath to focus on football
The midfielder has missed their last two matches after being distracted by transfer talk
St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin is telling Jamie McGrath to start focusing on football again after missing their last two matches.
The midfielder sat out of their wins over Dundee United and Ayr United with Buddies boss Goodwin admitting the player has been 'distracted' by transfer talk.
McGrath has been linked with a number of clubs with his contract running out at the end of the season but a move has yet to materialise.
He has now held clear-the-air talks with his manager as Goodwin hopes his fellow Irishman can concentrate on St Mirren while he is still in Paisley.
Goodwin said: “Jamie is still very much a St Mirren player and still very much a part of my plans.
“All that speculation is still floating around, but until something is confirmed or otherwise then Jamie will continue to be a part of our squad.
“It can be distracting for young players when there is that speculation flying around.
“But I had a really good conversation with him this morning (Monday) and just told him to get back focusing on playing football and let all the off-field matters take care of themselves.
“That’s why players have got agents at the end of the day. Let them deal with that stuff, Jamie needs to get back to doing what he’s good at, which is playing football and having a positive impact for St Mirren.
“Whether he signs a pre-contract with someone this month, or whether he moves before the window shuts remains to be seen."