Buddies give Gray time to impress

Gray had two spells on loan to Partick Thistle in Division One

St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson says he is giving trialist striker Damon Gray more time to prove himself worthy of a contract with the Paisley club.

The 20-year-old Englishman was released by Hibernian at the end of the season.

He had two spells on loan with Partick Thistle in Division One, scoring seven goals in 22 appearances.

"He is a striker who we were aware of and we are now having a look at him a wee bit more closely. We're not putting any timescale on it," said MacPherson.

Gray, who began his career with Newcastle United, made only seven first-team appearances for Scottish Premier League rivals Hibs, scoring once.

Meanwhile, MacPherson expressed himself pleased that he had a near fully-fit squad for pre-season training.

Midfielder Hugh Murray is still continuing his rehabilitation from summer surgery on his own.

But Mark Howard has rejoined the rest of the squad after recovering from injury.

Fellow goalkeeper Chris Smith is the only long-term absentee and is expected to miss much of the forthcoming season.

MacPherson signed Paul Gallacher from Dunfermline this summer to challenge Howard for the number one jersey.