Premiership: Buddies bring in McPhee

St Mirren have signed Coventry City striker Stephen McPhee until the end of the season.

The transfer deadline move ends Buddies boss Tom Hendrie's lengthy search for added firepower as his side carry on their fight against relegation.

Hendrie had hoped to bring in an experienced hitman but West Ham's Paul Kitson and Temuri Ketsbaia of Wolves turned down loan moves.

An ambitious bid to borrow young Brazilian star Ronaldinho fell through and former Brazil World Cup star Bebeto, 37, refused to prove his fitness in a trial.

Saints were also linked with former Celtic star Jorge Cadete but his wages were too high and ex-Everton striker Daniel Amokachi was also looked at.

In the end, Hendrie was only able to sign the 19-year-old Coventry reserve, who had impressed during a trial spell.

The Glaswegian has been at Highfield Road for more than two years following a spell in Holland with Vitesse Arnhem.

Hendrie said: "I was trying to bring in a big name. When one after another kept knocking me back I decided to bring in someone who knows what the Scottish scene is all about.

"McPhee is a good quality player. He has blinding pace and that is something we have been struggling for this season."