ST MIRREN are close to completing the signing of Irish defender Conor McCarthy – and believe he will be just as good as former team-mate Sean McLoughlin.

Manager Jim Goodwin is keen to add several players to his squad this week and expects McCarthy to complete his move from Cork City in the next 24 hours.

McLoughlin was a stand-out for Saints in the first half of the season before returning to parent club Hull City last week.

READ MORE: Sean McGloughlin opens up on St Mirren spell after returning to Hull

And Goodwin has tipped 21 year-old McCarthy to make a similar impact.

He said: “We need to replace Sean and we believe Conor fits the bill in that respect. If we can get this one over the line then that will be a terrific signing for us.

“He’s similar to Sean in a lot of ways. He’s physical, strong, quick and tidy on the ball.

The Gazette: The Saints lost defender Sean McLoughlin as he returned to parent club Hull City The Saints lost defender Sean McLoughlin as he returned to parent club Hull City

“We tried to sign him in the summer as well but it was halfway through Cork’s season so that didn’t suit them. But we’ve stayed in constant dialogue with the club and this is a better time for all involved.”

Injuries to defenders Gary MacKenzie and Kirk Broadfoot left Saints short of options at the back in recent games and Goodwin is keen to make sure that doesn’t happen again.

He added: “We’ve identified players that we want to bring and hopefully there will be more news in the next couple of days.

“We need a couple of defenders at least and some cover in the attacking positions as well. So those will be the key areas we’ll be targeting.”