Ireland international Jamie McGrath is still a part of St Mirren's plans, according to manager Jim Goodwin, who has told the midfielder he needs to concentrate on getting back to playing for the club.
The former Dundalk man missed the last two games due to continuous rumours regarding his future, with Birmingham, Middlesbrough, and Wigan all apparently interested in signing him.
Last week, the 25-year-old requested to be left out of the trip to Dundee United, and he also missed Saturday's Scottish Cup fourth-round match at Ayr.
McGrath could be ready to return to the squad ahead of the league encounter against Aberdeen at St Mirren Park on Tuesday night.
"James is still very much a St Mirren players and still very much part of my plans. There’s a lot of speculation floating about, but until something is confirmed, or otherwise, he will remain part of my squad, ” said the Saints boss.
“He’s in a good place now and he trained really well this morning. All the noise about whether he is or isn’t moving was affecting him and we have had a chat and I have asked him to try to put all that to the back of his mind.
“It can be distracting when there is speculation flying around, I’ve been there myself, but we have had a really good chat this morning and he just wants to get back playing football.
“James’ priority now is to play games for St Mirren and keep himself in the mind of (Republic of Ireland manager) Stephen Kenny, because James is no good to anybody if he is missing games for us.
“Agents are there to deal with all the off-field stuff and he just needs to get back to doing what he is good at – playing football.”
When asked if McGrath would still be at the club when the transfer window closes next week, Goodwin replied: “It’s very hard to say to be honest with you.
“I didn’t expect him to still be here after the summer window, but here he is. He needs to get back playing for St Mirren and what will be will be thereafter.
“But what can’t happen is all this impacting his game or mentality. If he signs a pre-contract with someone then so be it, or if he leaves this month and we get a fee then so be it.”
St Mirren captain Joe Shaughnessy said there has been no issues with the team finding form as McGrath's future hangs in the balance.
“It hasn’t been a distraction at all and the lads that have come in have done really well," he said.
“Greg (Kiltie) has a couple of assists and scored at the weekend. There’s plenty of quality in the squad to go and win games and there’s confidence in the team and squad.
“Jamie is a lovely lad and he trains away and we have all just been getting on with it. I’m sure it will sort itself out.
“As captain, I’ve had no need to get involved as Jamie has been training hard every day, and besides it is none of our business.”
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