ST MIRREN have agreed to send youngster Eddie Malone to Dundee on a month's loan.
The versatile 22-year-old, who joined the Buddies from Clyde in January, has not played for the first team since sustaining a knee injury during pre-season.
Saints boss Gus MacPherson believes Malone's time with Alex Rae's First Division outfit will get him ready for the rigours of the SPL.
He said: "Eddie had a knee problem, tendinitis but is nearly ready to go and play games after featuring in a couple of reserve matches for us.
"But it's competitive games he needs at this moment and Dundee have shown an interest in him. It will be good for him to go there as they have good games coming up - they play St Johnstone, Clyde, Hamilton and Dunfermline during his month there.
"It means he'll get into a good physical condition and will come back for our programme in December.
"Eddie's been very unfortunate with injuries. He picked up this injury on pre-season on just the sixth day and it's taken time to clear up.
"It's only been in the last three weeks he's been able to train with us. So this is a good opportunity for him to go and play competitive games as that will improve his match fitness and that will help us in the long run.
"Dundee enquired about him. He's played the last two reserve games, one for 90 minutes, and they followed up their interest."
