CELTIC youngster Mark Hill has joined St Mirren on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old midfielder is yet to feature for the first team at Parkhead and will gain his first taste of senior football in Paisley as the Buddies look to earn promotion from the Championship.

Hill signed a three-year contract with the champions in May 2017 and Saints manager Jack Ross was happy to strengthen his squad with a promising talent ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Cup fourth round trip to Aberdeen.

“I think Mark gives us something different,” he said. “He’s dynamic, he’s powerful, probably a more naturally defensive type in the midfield which we’ve not really had this season.

"He’s a player I’ve been really impressed with whenever I’ve seen him and I know Brendan Rodgers has high hopes for him at Celtic.

"I’m excited to work with him and look forward to welcoming him to the group.”

Hill added: "Obviously Jamie McCart was here and he said it was really good. I spoke to him a few times about it and he said training was decent and the club was good. It's my first day in and it's been really positive."

St Mirren currently sit top of the Championship table with an eight-point lead over second placed Dundee United.