Tommy Wright believes James McFadden could be the answer to his attacking problems.

The St Johnstone manager has lost talisman Steven MacLean for six months and is desperate to bring in reinforcements. Yesterday the Northern Irishman revealed he is ready to provide 31-year-old McFadden with a route back into the Premiership.

Last season the former Everton, Birmingham and Scotland player scored 10 goals for Motherwell but he has been in limbo since the summer having turned down offers from clubs at home and abroad.

Wright, who fielded winger Michael O'Halloran as a makeshift striker in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Dundee United, said: "We have invited James to come in and join in training with the boys because it is important we take a look at him in terms of his fitness.

"We'll have him in this week and assess where he is at. But I'd like to think it will work out well for both parties if we can get a deal sorted out.

"We have been looking for someone with a spark and a bit of quality to help the squad and I have no doubt James ticks a lot of the boxes."

Saints have relied on loan star Brian Graham to replace MacLean and he has netted three times in four appearances after coming in from Dundee United. But the only other striker at McDiarmid is Adam Morgan, on loan from Yeovil.

Wright said: "Motherwell had James out on the wing for much of last season but he would be coming in here as a striker. James wants to play up there and hopefully we can help bring out the best in him. We have had a chat and it's clear he wants to make a success of it here."