St Mirren's forward crisis pushes Craig McLeish to eye Stevie Mallan

St Mirren face a shortage up front after the departures of captain Mark O'Hara and striker Mikael Mandron, prompting manager Craig McLeish to seek immediate reinforcement. Thirty‑year‑old Stevie Mallan, who impressed in pre‑season, has forced the club to consider offering him a contract.

Mallan was released by St Johnstone after a season of 11 starts and eight substitute appearances. The release came after nearly two years out with injury and coincided with the Perth club’s Scottish Championship title win.

McLeish said Mallan joined St Mirren’s pre‑season after a long‑term injury, initially training with the under‑19s before a week in Spain. He added that Mallan’s fitness, energy and ball quality convinced the manager to take a serious look at a contract.

Former Scotland youth midfielder Dylan Reid, 21, is also on trial with St Mirren. Reid was sold to Crystal Palace in 2024 and was released this summer.

St Mirren have lost captain Mark O'Hara to Kilmarnock and defender Miguel Freckleton to Austrian side LASK. Striker Mikael Mandron rejected a new deal and moved on.

McLeish acknowledged that the exits of O'Hara and Mandron leave big shoes to fill. He stressed that the squad still has a core of experienced players and remains in a good place.

The club still needs to add to its forward line, and the decision on Mallan will depend on whether other players depart. McLeish noted there is interest in some St Mirren players, and Mallan needs a run of games to secure a contract.