St Mirren manager Jack Ross is set to sign a new contract with the Paisley club after turning down the chance to join Dundee.

Ross yesterday pledged his future to the Buddies after the Dens Park club failed to strike a deal with the 40-year-old.

It is understood that Ross will be rewarded for his loyalty to the Saints with a new contract and a pay rise.

Dundee made Ross their number one target earlier this week after failing to agree a deal for Neil McCann to become permanent manager following the former Rangers and Hearts player's stint in temporary charge at the end of last season.

It is thought Dundee managing director John Nelms flew out to meet Ross, who is on a family holiday, but couldn't convince him to move to Dens Park.

In a bizarre twist McCann was named as the Tayside club's permanent manager on Thursday, three days after vacating the position and hours after Ross released a statement distancing himself from a move away from St Mirren.

Ross said: "Following speculation regarding my position as the manager of the club, I can confirm that I remain focused on continuing to build on the momentum we created in the second half of last season.

"James and I have put in a lot of hard work already and will continue to do so as we strive to prepare a squad capable of challenging in what will be a hugely competitive and demanding Championship.

"It remains my responsibility to reward the loyalty and passion of our supporters with a team which they can be proud of."

Ross is expected to sign the new deal on his return next week, along with his assistant James Fowler.