STEVEN THOMPSON has pleaded with new St Mirren boss Tommy Craig to make a new striker his priority.

The Buddies captain played up front himself for most of last season, often with only Paul McGowan pushed on in a supporting role from midfield.

Aberdeen loan striker Josh Magennis fell far short of expectations in Paisley and has headed back to the north east.

On-loan Newcastle starlet Adam Campbell returned to the Magpies after also failing to make a significant impact.

Now Thompson, who will be 36 in October, has admitted that securing a strike partner and another back-up poacher will be vital if Saints are going to have the firepower to mount a successful assault on the SPFL Premiership top six.

The St Mirren captain said: "I am not getting any younger and from that point of view it would be good if we had other options up front.

"Over the last season I have not had a strike partner as such and although I managed 16 goals, at times, it was a lot of work.

"I am 36 in October and although I'm as hungry as ever for the new season and have been very lucky with injuries, I think it is important that there are both other options and cover in the forward positions.

"I think we managed only 39 goals over the course of a 38-game league season and that is just not enough."

The former Rangers striker added: "It is a pity that things did not work out for Adam Campbell and Josh Magennis but neither of them really got a run in the team and it was tough.

"I guess a lot is going to depend on how the new manager sets up, so we will have to see how that all pans out when we come back for pre-season.

"But I'd imagine that Tommy will be looking to augment things up top and I certainly hope so."

New Buddies boss Craig has his summer clear-out under way but he has also re-buffed a move from English Championship side Watford for teenage midfield tyro John McGinn.

However, although talks are continuing to try and persuade talented midfielder Kenny McLean to stay on in Paisley, Thompson fears the worst.

The Saints striker said: "Young John [McGinn] has had another great season for us and when you look at the amount of experience he has under his belt already at St Mirren, including a League Cup winner's medal, at 19 he is only going to get better.

"So it is great that the club have made it clear we are keeping hold of John.

"I think it will be more difficult with Kenny, as at 22 he is that bit older. But we will have to see how things develop."