Gus wants Magic - if the price is right

Last updated : 09 August 2009 By Stuart Gillespie
Johnston - nicknamed Magic after the basketball legend - is available on a free after leaving Ruby Park at the end of last season. He has been plagued with injuries in the last few years and underwent surgery during the close season, which he had to pay for himself. He's been training with the Saints squad in recent weeks, suggesting he is fit again, but for how long is anyone's guess.

MacPherson is keen to bring the former Scotland international to the club, but isn't quite sure if we'll be able to afford him. I'd have thought that was something we should have checked before asking him along for a trial - and I'd have thought it was something Johnston would have checked as well, otherwise everyone is wasting their time.

I've mixed views on this one. If he's fit and we play him on the wing, fair enough. However, we already have enough injury prone wingers. It seems yesterday he played in the middle - well, we already have enough central midfielders and it's the last place we should be looking to strengthen.

Perhaps a one year, pay-as-you-play deal is the answer. That way, if he gets injured (and he almost certainly will) it won't be too expensive a mistake. Another option may be to bring him on board as a coach, as his experience could be quite handy for the likes of Andy Dorman and Stephen McGinn.

Story source: The Sunday Mail