St Johnstone assistant Andy Kirk on Kerr Smith, further arrivals and Luke Robinson's departure

dailyrecord.co.uk:

St Johnstone assistant Andy Kirk is hopeful new loan addition Kerr Smith will receive clearance to be available for Tuesday’s trip to Dundee.The Aston Villa defender (19), who was a Dundee United youth product, has joined the Perth club on a deal until the end of the season.Kirk has revealed that he sees Smith’s primary position as centre-half but that his versatility will prove beneficial moving forward.“We’re just waiting on some clearance for that to go through,” Kirk said on Monday afternoon.“We’re hopeful it will be there for Tuesday.

It is in the hands of the SFA so fingers crossed.“If we manage to get it through, he is in really good condition to be available to start the game if that is the option for the manager.“He has played a few different positions.

He is versatile and we can change positions with him in the backline.“He is coming in as a centre-back mainly but he has a lot of qualities that allow him to play in different positions.“Over the course of time working with him, hopefully we’ll get him into a position that suits his strengths and suits the team.”Kirk, who confirmed Fran Franczak is back fit for the Dens Park tussle of Tayside, revealed there is the possibility of more transfer movement before the Premiership fixture.Saints are expected to announce the signing of striker Benjamin Kimpioka (23).

He came through the ranks at Sunderland and has most recently been plying his trade at AIK in Sweden.He has also had a loan spell at FC Luzern, a team Perth fans will remember from European competition. “If things fall into place very quickly, there might be something available,” Kirk had added on the potential for more arrivals in time for Dundee. “But at the minute, Kerr is the one we’re really hopeful of