Latest Football Transfer News 11-08-2012

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McLean focused on St Mirren

Lennon says midfielder could emulate Souness or Dalglish
Last Updated: August 11, 2012 9:41pm


Kenny McLean: Concentrating on performing well for St Mirren


Kenny McLean has been tipped to become the next Graeme Souness or Kenny Dalglish but says he is not thinking about a possible move to England.
McLean produced an inspirational performance in St Mirren's 2-0 victory over Dundee in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday.
The midfielder's 35-yard strike six minutes from the interval, which gave Dees keeper Rab Douglas no chance, was fit on its own to win any game, although striker Sam Parkin clinched the points when he grabbed a second after the break.


Afterwards manager Danny Lennon predicted great things for his Scotland Under 21 player in the future, although he is glad to have him at the Paisley club in the meantime.
"It was a wonderful goal and he has got that in his locker," said the Buddies boss. "The ball was still rising when it hit the back of the net.
"Maybe this season we will unleash a new Souness or Dalglish and I certainly think McLean has the ability to do that.


"There will be a little bit of help from myself and the staff, but he certainly has the tools to do it.
"He is going into his second full season and he has two years of his contract still to go.
"He has a lot of development still in him and we think he is in the correct environment.
"Kenny McLean has all to the tools to be a top player, wherever he goes."
Ability

Lennon believes McLean, 20, should be pushing for a place in Craig Levein's plans for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers even though he was left out of Billy Stark's Under 21 squad for this month's challenge match against Belgium.
Lennon said: "First and foremost he has to get into Billy Stark's Under 21 squad and Billy didn't think he was quite ready.
"But he certainly has it in his locker, I see his professionalism and ability on a daily basis."


McLean appeared taken aback when told that his manager was talking about him in the same breath as Souness and Dalglish, but pledged his immediate future to the Saints.
"I don't know how to take that," he said. "There is a lot to live up to there but hopefully I will keep getting better.
"The manager has given me a platform so hopefully there is better to come.


"I am enjoying my football here so it (moving south) is not something I am looking for in the immediate future.
"I am delighted with the way things are going, working under the gaffer and Tommy Craig is brilliant so hopefully I will keep progressing.
"A year or two down the line we will see what happens, but I just want to do well here."

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Branco has until Christmas

Mellon doubts whether budget is available for more recruitments
Last Updated: August 11, 2012 8:34pm


Micky Mellon: Has challenged Rodrigo Branco to make an impact over the next few months


Brazilian forward Rodrigo Branco has joined Football League new-boys Fleetwood Town until Christmas.
Sky Sports earlier in August revealed the 21-year-old was on Town manager Micky Mellon's list of targets and the player was keen on a move to England.


Free agent Branco, who two years ago was close to joining Blackburn Rovers after a trial, has been playing with Fleetwood in pre-season and has also been given until the festive period to impress.
Ahead of the club's first game in the Football League against Nottingham Forest in the Capital One Cup on Monday, Mellon confirmed Branco was staying at Highbury.


"We have taken him until Christmas and he has got until then to make an impact at the football club," Mellon told Sky Sports.
"He is only young. He has still got a lot to do. He has still got to work very hard in order to try and get into my first team. But we feel he has got something that he brings to the group.
Transfer market

"He is still adjusting to the way of life, because he comes from Brazil and to come to the North West is a big adjustment for him."
Mellon has already signed more than 10 players this summer as he prepares for League Two and he is still monitoring the transfer market.
The Fleetwood boss, who has confirmed QPR midfielder Joey Barton will not be signing on loan, is confident he has the backing of chairman Andy Pilley but doubts whether the finances are currently available.


"The way we have always been at Fleetwood, because of the way the club keeps rattling on, we always try to make things better," said Mellon.
"If we feel there is a player out there that becomes available to us, wants to come to us, is going to make us better and we can afford to bring him in along with the logistics, we will always try and recruit that player.


"We will never sit still. It always keeps the players here on their toes because they know we are always striving to get better.
"So, you never say never. If somebody popped up and we had any budget left, which we probably have not at the minute, I would go to the chairman and he has always backed me."