EXCLUSIVE

By SCOTT MULLEN

ST MIRREN are on the verge of signing former Southend defender Mads Ibenfeldt.

The 6ft 6in defender has been on trial with the Paisley club after being released by the Shrimpers last season.

HeraldSport has learned that the 30-year-old Dane, who arrived in Scotland last week, has impressed Buddies boss Ian Murray enough for Saints to verbally make him an offer.

No official deal has been put in place but Ibenfeldt is understood to be playing for the Buddies in a bounce game against Ayr United this evening.

He was originally signed up by manager Phil Brown last season but was unable to make an impact on the side due to injury. In the end Ibenfeldt turned out just three times for Southend.

But now fully fit, Saints fans could see the imposing former Akandemisk centre-half line-up in the heart of their defence as Murray's men tackle the Ladbrokes Championship.

It is a key area needing filled for the Paisley club following the departure last season of reliable stopper Marc McAusland.

Speaking last month about the defender's spell at Roots Hall, Brown said: "Mads really looked the part in pre-season and played in a couple of cup games we had earlier on in the year.

"He then had horrific luck with injury and by the time he was fit again he found a number of defenders in front of him which was unfortunate."

Meanwhile, St Mirren have announced that season ticket sales ahead so far have reached 2475, including 180 new adult supporters.