United want striker to become Saint Paul

McManus has been without a club since leaving Arbroath last season but has been training with the Methil based Fifers in a bid to get his fitness back.

He was handed a Saints jersey by Barrett at the weekend as the club travelled to face Camelon.

The 33-year-old was unable to help Saints to victory - but Barrett was suitably impressed all the same.

He said: “He’d like to go back into senior football but we’re keen to get him here.

“We need a goalscorer and there aren’t many better around than him.”

But the Saints gaffer has added to his squad this week already, bringing in former Tayport ‘keeper Gavin Wilson and ex-Dundee youth Ross Cunningham.

“We still have 12 league games to play and are in two cups so there’s a long way to go yet - we want to build the squad up for when the midweek fixtures start,” said Barrett.

“Gavin is a St Andrews lad and had to leave Tayport because of work commitments which have changed now.

“There’s still space in the squad for another couple if the right players become available.”

This weekend Saints make a difficult journey to face league leaders Bonnyrigg Rose.

They go into the clash with a clean bill of health and 18 players available.