Parkin departs St Johnstone as Croft arrives at McDiarmid Park

SAM Parkin has left St Johnstone after failing to work his way into the plans of manager Steve Lomas since his return from injury, while Derby winger Lee Croft finalised his loan move to Perth and is in contention to face Hibs at Easter Road tomorrow.

Parkin, 29, has made just two substitute appearances since recovering from a stress fracture of his ankle and found his path to the first team blocked by fellow strikers Francisco Sandaza and Cillian Sheridan.

The club revealed they had parted company with the former Swindon striker by mutual consent. Parkin told the club’s website: “I’m disappointed it has not worked out but the injury was a devastating blow. The club was good and gave me time to recover and I’m fit now but I need regular games and the manager has been honest with me and said that he can’t promise that.

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“I leave with no animosity and having met a great bunch of guys who I wish every success to in the remainder of the season.”

Parkin scored five goals in 28 appearances for Saints after Derek McInnes signed him in the summer of 2010, but he was out for almost ten months after the ankle break.

Parkin’s departure came after Lomas signed Jack Compton on loan from Falkirk until the end of the season, along with 26-year-old Croft.

Compton, 23, is looking to hit the ground running after making 21 appearances for Bradford on loan this season.

He said: “I enjoyed playing League Two football with Bradford and felt that I did well. In my view I’ve now come to a better club in a better league and that can only benefit me.

“It’s disappointing that I don’t seem to be in the plans at Falkirk but, as I say, I enjoyed my spell at City and I think League Two is of a higher standard than the Scottish First Division.”

Croft, who was at Norwich when Lomas coached the Canaries’ youths said: “The gaffer and Tommy [Wright] gave me a call last week and knowing them as I do I was keen to pursue the opportunity.

“I’m looking forward to getting games. I’ve only ever heard good things about the SPL from the guys I have played alongside who have actually experienced it and I was aware that Saints were having a good season, sitting well up the league table.

“I’m hoping that my work ethic and experience will help us continue that good form for the rest of the campaign.”

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