SAINTS have confirmed young defender Thierry Small has re-joined St Mirren on loan for the rest of the season.

The 19 year old returns to the Scottish Premiership side after spending the second half of the 2022-23 campaign with them.

He joined Saints in a high-profile move from Everton in August 2021 and made his first team debut in February 2022, in an FA Cup fourth round victory over Coventry City.

The left-back spent time out on loan last season with League One side Port Vale before he made 15 appearances for the Scottish Saints after first joining them on January transfer deadline day.

The club statement adds: “The club wishes Thierry well for the rest of the season and will continue to follow his progress.”

Small’s contract at St Mary’s is set to expire at the end of this season with the youngster having outgrown under-21 football.

However, his progress in the senior game has been limited and he is seen as behind the likes of Jayden Meghoma and Juan Larios for a place in manager Russell Martin’s plans.