CAMMY Smith has become the 11th player to leave St Mirren this month after penning a two-year deal with Championship side Dundee United.

Smith joined Saints from Aberdeen on an initial six-month loan back in January 2017 and went on to play a big part in guiding them to Championship safety before going on to sign a permanent two-year deal in May 2017.

Making 84 appearances and scoring 16 goals in his time in Paisley, the 23-year-old was named St Mirren's player of the year as they went on to win the Scottish Championship last term and promotion back to the Ladrbokes Premiership.

St Mirren manager Oran Kearney said: "Cammy goes with a heavy heart.

"It’s been a frustrating season for him. He’s been in and out of the team and it probably just hasn’t happened the way he wanted it to happen.

"But with that he is a young lad who wants football and it’s hard to promise the opportunities in the transition that we are at.

"He is adamant he wants to go out and play football and I respect that and have no issue with that.

"I spoke in front of everyone this morning to thank Cammy for his time at the club.

"It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge what Cammy did before I arrived at the club and it’s so important to acknowledge that Cammy’s contribution over the last couple of years has been nothing short of phenomenal."

Elsewhere, St Mirren last night confirmed the arrival of Romanian defender Mihai Popescu from Dinamo Bucharest.

The 25-year-old, who has joined Saints on a six-moth loan deal with the club having an option to buy, is the Buddies' second January signing after Greg Tansey joined earlier this week.

Speaking on the move, Popescu told StMirren.com: "I signed the contract today and hope to start training tomorrow.

"It is my first experience outside Romania and I think it is a good opportunity for me and my career.

"I think this is a good team here in Scotland and I am glad to be here. I hope to be able to help this team."

Kearney added: “Mihai is someone who is at a good age. He’s 25 and he’s not one who is coming here to cut his teeth in football.

"He has plenty of games behind him and plenty of experience in a very tough league. It’s one we’re very confident on and hopefully he’ll be a great signing."