PAUL McMULLAN is relishing the prospect of a striking partnership with Steven Thompson to try to fire St Mirren straight back up to the Premiership – even although he’s old enough to be his dad.

The 19-year-old Celtic attacker joined the Buddies yesterday on a season-long loan – coincidentally just two days after playing for the Hoops at St Mirren Park in the 2-0 win over Den Bosch.

McMullan reckons he and 36-year-old Thommo could be the ideal little and large partnership as Saints take on Rangers and Hibs for what looks like being another terrific Championship season.

The teenager, who was on loan at Stenhousemuir last season, said: “I trained with Steven today and hopefully we can form a good partnership. I can do all his running and he’ll put them in the back of the net.

“I knew St Mirren were interested in me a week or two ago and things ticked along from there. It shot through after the game on Wednesday and I signed on Thursday.

“As soon as I heard St Mirren were interested I wanted to come because they are coming into the Championship.

“Being at Stenhousemuir it was a relegation fight, so I wanted something different, and going for promotion this year was something that really excited me. I think we can go back up.”

McMullan has been taking advice from Celtic skipper Scott Brown, who has been working with the Lennoxtown Under-20 squad and he hopes to go back to Celtic ready to fight for a first-team jersey.

He said: “There are a lot of guys who help you when you go up, but Scott Brown takes the 20s team and he’s really good with the younger guys and makes them part of it.

“Celtic are hoping this move can develop me and push me on. Then, when I go back, they’ll see where I’m at and see if I’m ready.”

McMullan, who will have a year left on his contract when he goes back to Celtic, is also relishing the matches against Rangers.

He starred in last season’s SFA Youth Cup final when Celtic hammered their great rivals 5-2.

He added: “It’s big games and players always look forward to big games. I’m no different. I’m looking forward to it.

“The cup final was good, and if I can take some of that to Ibrox then I’ll be more than happy.”