ST JOHNSTONE APPEAR to be closing in on a deal to bring David McMillan to the club when the transfer window opens in January.
After scoring 23 goals in all competitions for Dundalk this season, McMillan is currently weighing up his future after his contract expired following the Lilywhites’ defeat to Cork City in the FAI Cup final earlier this month.
St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright watched the 28-year-old striker in action during that game at the Aviva Stadium, but he told The Courier today that he’s been familiar with McMillan for a long time.
“He scores goals, first and foremost, but he’s a very good all-round player,” Wright said. “I have known about him for a few years, he can play with his back to goal, runs in behind and knows where the back of the net is — right foot, left foot and headers.
“He’s scored a lot of goals in the Irish league and he’s also been excellent for Dundalk in Europe. He’s scored them in the Champions League and the Europa League, which is a very high standard.
At 28 he’s got a lot of experience and I’m sure he will be a very good addition to the squad here.
“Primarily I look at the number of goals he has scored and I think he can replicate that over here. I’ve known of him for at least the last two or three years. There are a few in that Dundalk side who have got moves.”
McMillan, who also works part-time as an architect in Dublin, joined Dundalk from Sligo Rovers for the 2014 season. He netted five times in last season’s Champions League campaign and was on target again in this year’s tie against Rosenborg.
His departure would be a significant blow to Stephen Kenny as he prepares for the 2018 season, but the Dundalk manager has grown accustomed to losing marquee players in recent years following the transfers of Patrick Hoban [in 2014], Richie Towell [2015], Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle [both 2016] to clubs in England.
Hoban is being linked with a return to Oriel Park after disappointing spells with Oxford United and Mansfield Town. The Lilywhites are also pursuing another striker in Ronan Murray, who was named in the PFAI Team of the Year for 2017 after scoring 13 Premier Division goals for relegated Galway United.
St Johnstone are currently in sixth place in the Scottish Premiership. The Perth-based club were also interested in signing Dundalk midfielder Robbie Benson but Tommy Wright said recently that their pursuit of Benson has ended due to his wage demands.
