St Mirren’s Marián Kello set for Tannadice debut

Former Hearts goalkeeper Marian Kello could make his St Mirren debut in Saturday’s Scottish Premiership encounter with Dundee United.

Marian Kello pictured playing for Hearts in 2011. Picture: SNS

The Slovakian international signed on Thursday but is still awaiting international clearance after leaving Wolves in the summer. However, Saints are hopeful it will arrive in time for the goalie to feature at Tannadice.

Defender Marc McAusland is also available after an ankle knock but Gary Teale’s groin injury costs him his place, while David Barron is still out with his own ankle problem until Christmas.

Kello, who made 79 appearances for Hearts after signing from FBK Kaunas, signed a deal on Thursday, keeping him at the Paisley club until January 2014.

The 31-year-old had brief spells with Romanian outfit FC Astra Giurgiu and Wolverhampton Wanderers after leaving the Tynecastle club, but departed Molineux last March, and has been without a club since.

Kello provides manager Danny Lennon with another option between the sticks, after first-choice goalkeeper Chris Dilo - who has been preferred to on-loan Swansea ‘keeper David Cornell in recent weeks - suffered a knee injury following a clash with defender Darren McGregor during the Buddies’ 4-3 win over St Johnstone.

Provisional squad: Cornell, Goodwin, Caprice, Grainger, McAusland, McGregor, Kelly, Newton, Harkins, McLean, McGowan, Thompson, Bahoken, Reilly, Van Zanten, Kello, Mair, McGinn, Naismith.