Mallan talent no surprise to Teale

St Mirren caretaker manager Gary Teale was not surprised by teenager Stephen Mallan's spectacular first goal as a professional.

Mallan's solo goal in a 3-1 Scottish Premiership win over Dundee on Saturday has become an internet hit.

The 18-year-old won the ball in his own half and shimmied, nutmegged and turned his way past several opponents before curling the ball into the corner of the net from 20 yards.

Teale knew all about the midfielder's talent after helping coach the Saints youth team and he said: He will probably not score another goal like that in his life but was I surprised he did it? No, he is in the side because I know he is capable of doing things like that.

He is a very intelligent footballer. He can see a pass, in fact before his goal he gets his head up twice because he is looking for a pass. He makes the decision that the pass isn't quite on and he manages to manoeuvre it for himself. And he has the composure to put it in the bottom corner.

He is a talented footballer and he just needs to keep working hard and doing the right things and he will have a bright future ahead of him.''

Mallan has started both games under Teale, who has also handed another 18-year-old, Lewis McLear, his debut. Saints won at Dens Park with seven of their youth academy products starting.

I was fortunate enough to work with him (Mallan) for a year or so beforehand so I knew what he could do,'' said Teale, whose team host Kilmarnock on New Year's Day.

And results were the way they were so something had to change.

If you want to look on it as brave then you can look on it that way, but I felt I needed to freshen things up and maybe bring a bit of youthful enthusiasm into the side.

It's a big ask in terms of responsibility because of the position we are in the league, but young boys have no fear and they just go out and enjoy football. I put them in on merit because of their ability.''

Teale is trying to prove himself to the Saints board in order to get the job on a permanent basis and his preparation includes looking at potential business for the upcoming transfer window.

The board have said to me to identify players, one or two who could come in and maybe one or two that might go out as well,'' the former Wigan and Scotland player said.

I have been trying to put something in place and do the best for the football club and have that plan in place if I am fortunate enough to be here.''