Lennon eyeing McGowan talks

Danny Lennon admits hopes of keeping hold of Paul McGowan depend on St Mirren retaining their SPL status.

Saints boss eyeing SPL safety and then McGowan talks

St Mirren boss Danny Lennon admits hopes of keeping hold of Paul McGowan depend on the club retaining their SPL status. The Celtic striker is currently on a season-long loan with the Buddies and has scored five times this term. Lennon would like to keep the player next season but admits the Buddies must secure their top-flight status before talks can take place. Saints can achieve this aim with a win over bottom club Hamilton - whom they currently sit nine points clear of with four games remaining - on Bank Holiday Monday. Lennon told the Daily Record: "Paul is a quality player and you are always looking to have quality in your squad. To have any chance of keeping him we must guarantee SPL safety. "Our destiny in the league is in our own hands and we're hoping to secure that as soon as we can. "We're close to it but we have to continue to perform in the manner we have. I'm disappointed the season is coming to an end because we're starting to perform. "That tells me a lot about the group of players we have and the aim is to start next season, hopefully in the SPL, running. "If that's the case then I'll be looking to have quality players here and Paul certainly fits that bill. "It's a discussion we will need to have with Celtic but everything has been put on hold until we know exactly where we are and we're safe in the SPL."