St Mirren have completed the loan signing of Aberdeen’s Cammy Smith until the end of the season, as midfielder Kyle McAllister leaves the club to sign for Derby County in a deal worth £200,000.

Smith spent the first half of the season on loan at Dundee United, where he impressed in spells, bagging five goals in 22 appearances, including a hat-trick against Partick Thistle in the League Cup.

The bulk of his recent outings however have been from the substitute’s bench though, and his parent-club are keen to see the promising youngster getting more game time.

"Sometimes you get a surprise about who might be available to you and he’s somebody that I hadn’t anticipated,” said Saints manager Ross.

“He’s a really good player and I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with him as well.

“I had good conversations with him about the club and how he felt about coming. I’m pleased to have it done and I’m grateful to Derek McInnes and Aberdeen for helping us out.

“He’s got unquestionable ability and hopefully I can get the best out of him.

“We wanted another one in an attacking area and he’s also versatile up there. He can play a wee bit wide or he can play right up top, so that attracted us to him as well.

“His quality isn’t in doubt, he just needs a consistent run of games, and hopefully he will get that with us.”

Ross admits that the departure of young midfielder McAllister is a blow, but he is pleased for the player to have earned an opportunity in the English Championship.

And while he feels that the team will miss his talents, he has been assured by the club’s board that he will be given some of the proceeds of the transfer by way of compensation.

“My overriding feeling is happiness for him,” he said.

“I developed a really good relationship with him over my short time at the club, and I was having a good chat with him this morning about his decision and I’m really excited for him.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity for a young man to go and play at a really big club with tremendous facilities and tremendous support.

“I’m excited to see how he progresses and develops, because he undoubtedly has the potential to do that.

“We’ll possibly be looking to bring more players in. We’ve had to be creative so far in terms of moving players out to get others in, but with Kyle moving it might free me up a little.

“If I can get the couple in that I want to, I believe I’ll have a good base of a squad to work with to really kick us on in the second half of the season.”

Meanwhile, the Buddies were last night still awaiting paperwork through from Wycombe Wanderers to complete the signing of their former player Stephen McGinn.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who can also play at left-back, is expected to complete his move back to the club today after training with the squad yesterday.

Ross said: “Stephen and I have played with each other and I’ve known him for a long time, and he was really keen to come to us.

“He’s got an affinity with the club through his own time and through his family, and I think he wants to help us out of this position and drive us forward.”