ST MIRREN goalkeeping legend Campbell Money believes that securing Marian Kello for another year represents great business for the Paisley club.

The 31-year-old Slovakian international shot-stopper joined on a short-term contract in October after Saints' decision to go with two rookie keepers in David Cornell and Christopher Dilo back-fired.

Although Kello missed the last two months of the campaign with injury, Money has no doubt his new one-year deal is a vital signing by new Buddies' boss Tommy Craig.

The goalkeeper who won the Scottish Cup with St Mirren in 1987 said: "For me this is a key piece of business for St Mirren.

"Last summer they went with two young keepers and that lack of experience came back to bite them.

"So I would say that to have Kello tied down already puts them in better shape than last summer, at a similar stage, when it comes to between the sticks.

"For me, on his game, Marian is one of the best keepers in the Premiership and full international goalkeepers do not grow on trees.

"That takes a lot of pressure off in terms of adding another goalkeeper and also makes it possible for the club to perhaps promote a younger keeper from their youth ranks, if they have one coming through."

Meanwhile, Saints manager Craig has confirmed that midfielder Paul McGowan has not been offered a new contract.

He said: "We feel now is the time for a parting of the ways.

"Paul has been a great servant to St Mirren over the past four years, but he needs a fresh challenge and we would like to thank him for his services to St Mirren Football Club."

McGowan, who arrived on loan from Celtic in 2010 before signing with Saints permanently a year later, made 154 appearances and scored 25 goals.