St Mirren boss Oran Kearney has been reunited with his former Coleraine pupil Brad Lyons after agreeing a six-month loan deal with Blackburn.

Kearney gave the midfielder his first-team breakthrough while in charge of the Bannsiders and Lyons went on to make almost 100 appearances for the Northern Irish outfit.

His performances won him the chance to move to Ewood Park on loan earlier this season and that deal was made permanent last month as he signed an 18-month deal.

But he will now continue his transition to full-time football with a stint in Paisley after agreeing to join the Buddies relegation fight.

Lyons – who could make his Saints debut against William Hill Scottish Cup opponents Alloa Athletic this weekend – told the Saints website: "It's absolutely brilliant and I can't wait to get started at such a great club.

"There was always rumours because the manager was at Coleraine. I was buzzing that the club was interested in me because it's such a great club in a high league.

"I know the way the manager works and he knows the way I play so that relationship was always going to stand us in good stead."

Lyons becomes Kearney's fourth new signing this month and the Buddies boss said: "I'm really pleased to have Brad in.

"I absolutely know that the fans will love him and I know what I will get from him in training and on a match day. It's everything we need for the battle we are in.

"He's a central midfielder who is versatile in that I could ask him to play in front of the back four and he would do that with great discipline or I could ask him to play ahead of the midfield and link things and get beyond.

"He will bring a huge amount of good attributes to us, but more than anything a hunger and a desire to be here. He's so keen to push on and it's that hunger and desire that is so important."