Alex Grieve St Mirren loan exit perfect for all parties...almost

I never thought I'd celebrate Alex Greive leaving St Mirren. To be honest, that's only possible because he's, currently, only on loan.

But, for too long the New Zealand striker has been severely limited in minutes at St Mirren and not through fault of his own.

That's not to suggest that Greive should have started under Stephen Robinson every week this season - far from it. Instead, it's simply a matter of a deeper pool of forward options than ever before in recent memory.

Let's not forget, Greive was somewhat of a shot in the dark with the striker coming from the strategic partnership with Birkenhead out in New Zealand.

In many ways, Greive had no right to be as impactful as he was when he arrived in Scotland. I remember watching his debut from the press box at Tannadice and thinking he had the spark and energy to revitilise the frontline - even if he was a little raw.

Watching him this season, I still felt he had an impact whenever he climbed off the bench and looked like he could change a game in a moment - unfortunately, he found himself a little lost this term.

Despite, glimpses of real quality, Greive was unable to achieve peak form when in the starting spot under Robinson.

There was no lack of endeavour - that's never even been a question. However, his impact always seemed lesser from the start.

I'll admit, I'm gutted Greive won't be an option available to be called upon for the backend of the season - even if a new striker arrival is something Robinson is working on.

However, I'll be thrilled if Greive's move to Dundee United results in an extended run in the starting XI and brings an increased expectation as a leading option rather than scrapping for minutes in Paisley.

Plus, whisper it, Greive reuniting with Jim Goodwin can only be a positive given the top working relationship they shared while at the SMiSA Stadium.

Greive didn't have the space to evolve into a true starting striker at St Mirren - at Dundee United in the Championship where he is bound to have plenty of opportunity in front of goal, he just might.

So far, it's all been very positive - and rightly so. Some crucial funds freed up for Robinson and some extra game time for Greive in a suitable environment. However, one slight issue could come in the summer.

Greive is signed up at St Mirren until summer 2024 - should he have an impressive spell at Dundee United then it could lead to a battle for his signature moving forward.

But, given the current circumstances, that's something to worry about another day. It is, in one sense, a necessary risk in order to add to the squad this season.

Robinson hasn't done much wrong in recruitment or departures. Greive's loan move again isn't an obvious mistake given the player's desire to play on a regular basis.

Should he evolve into a more polished player at Tannadice, well, then there could be questions over where his future lies.

AND ANOTHER THING

Does anyone remember what Keanu Baccus was up to the last time he competed in Qatar?

Man-marking Lionel Messi in his first start of the tournament at the World Cup? Nothing major then...

This time round there is far more potential for Baccus to celebrate a trophy at the Asian Cup.

That would have a detrimental impact on St Mirren though, with the midfielder missing from domestic action for a longer period.

I'm sure plenty of St Mirren supporters will be torn in their support of Baccus for Australia blended with disappointment as he remains unavailable in the Scottish Premiership.

AND FINALLY

Curtis Main won't be re-joining St Mirren.

It's understandable the striker would be linked with a return to Paisley given a possible move back to Scotland from Bengaluru this month.

However, having pushed the boat out with a contract offer at the end of last season, a deal now is not in the offing.

Main was a tremendous player for St Mirren and contributed to the success last season - forget the early stages in Paisley - but by now both parties have moved on.