St Mirren insist David van Zanten could still stay at the club after they signed Falkirk defender Jack Ross on a pre-contract agreement.Manager Gus MacPherson was delighted to land 31-year-old Ross on a two-year deal.
The former Clyde and Hartlepool player will join Saints at the end of the season and MacPherson believes he can become a key player for the Buddies.
Ahead of Saturday's Scottish Premier League clash with Kilmarnock, MacPherson said: "Jack has signed a pre-contract agreement and we're delighted that we were able to persuade him to come here.
"He'll bring experience and we know what we're getting with him. Jack's at the right age, he's played in the SPL as well as having a spell down south.
"It's a two-year deal and it's a relief to have the deal for such a proven player done so quickly.
"We have a willing bunch who are eager to learn, so if you bring in someone like Jack, who is a great professional with good habits, then you hope that rubs off on the others.
"He conducts himself properly on and off the park and he's able to fill a variety of roles across the back and in midfield.
"The grand plan is that we're going with a tighter squad next season so we need that kind of flexibility. Jack can play in two or three positions and that's an added bonus."
MacPherson insisted Ross is not a replacement for Van Zanten, who has been linked with a move away from Love Street when his contract expires.
He said: "People will see Jack as a straight replacement for David van Zanten but we want to keep him as well.
"It would be wrong to assume that he's not part of our plans."
MacPherson also revealed he has held talks with the agent of Inverness striker Dennis Wyness over a move to Love Street.
Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies, who is on the brink of signing Airdrie striker Allan Russell, insists there is plenty to play for on Saturday.
But he also has one eye on reaching the end of the season without increasing his injury list.
The list grew when Tim Clancy suffered ruptured ankle ligaments and a splintered bone during last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Gretna.
Jefferies only had 14 players in training yesterday, although Allan Johnston could come back into contention for the Love Street clash.
"We can't afford any more injuries," Jefferies said. "We just need to use what we have got for the last couple of games."
Killie sit two points below 10th-placed St Mirren and Jefferies is eager to avoid a second-bottom finish.
"We have both got pride to play for," Jefferies added. "Gus and his players will not want to finish second-bottom, neither do we. We need to win to get above them again."
More Football News from TEAMtalk
