Saints eye targets

Dec 11 2007

SENEGALESE midfield star Papa Niang is under scrutiny at McDiarmid Park, alongside Trinidadian Collin Samuel and Alan Morgan.

The 24-year-old was recommended to manager Derek McInnes, who is looking for a defensive-minded anchorman for the centre of the park.

If Saints get clearance Niang will feature in tonight’s Reserve League Cup game against Jim Weir’s Montrose.

McInnes said: “We are having a look at him. He has dual nationality so that shouldn’t pose any problems.

“Papa did a pre-season at Coventry and has been playing for one of the top teams in Senegal.

“He is also one of half a dozen back-up players on stand-by for the 22-man Senegal squad for the African Nations Cup.”

Niang trained again yesterday with the Perth squad while Trinidad international Samuel and Inverness Caley Thistle midfielder Morgan are also keen to catch the eye of the Perth manager.

McInnes said: “Collin is building up his fitness and there might be some sort of interest from us. I know from Dundee United what he could give us. Right now it’s only training facilities but he has been showing up well.

“I spoke to Craig Brewster at Inverness and he has a lot of time for Alan Morgan but couldn’t get into the team at the moment. He’s happy to let Alan train with us.”