JAMES McFADDEN is on the verge of a shock Premiership comeback with St Johnstone.

The former Everton and Motherwell star has joined the Perth club for training and could be the man they need to solve their striker shortage.

Saints boss Tommy Wright revealed at the weekend he had lined up a forward to come in for training as he continues his bid to replace injury victim Steven MacLean.

Now St Johnstone have revealed that Faddy could be set to join them.

In a brief statement, the club said: "Saints have former Scotland man James McFadden training this week.

"Tommy Wright is assessing the fitness of the 31-year-old player and may hold talks with him regarding a deal."

McFadden had been training with Partick Thistle in recent weeks to keep his fitness up after being released by Motherwell at the end of last season.

He has turned down offers from clubs in a number of countries but has indicated that a deal closer to his wife and four kids in Lanarkshire would suit him.

MacLean was ruled out for up to six months after undergoing a knee op earlier this month.

Wright only has loan players Brian Graham and Adam Morgan as recognised strikers.

Michael O'Halloran moved from the wing to play at centre forward on Saturday as Saints lost 2-0 to Dundee United.

Wright admitted after the weekend defeat that he needed to draft in another striker. He said: "We don't look like scoring and need to be more ruthless up front."