Matty Willock in a training bib.

Willock joins St Mirren on loan

Friday 27 July 2018 18:58

Manchester United Under-23s midfielder Matty Willock has joined Scottish Premiership side St Mirren on a season-long loan deal, subject to international clearance.

The 21-year-old has made another temporary move north of the border, after completing a successful spell at St Johnstone in the second half of last season.

He made 12 appearances for the Scottish top-flight outfit and scored a header from a corner in a 4-1 defeat against Aberdeen at the end of March.

His short stint at McDiarmid Park followed another loan spell at Dutch outfit FC Utrecht.

Willock has been a key contributor for United's Academy sides in recent years.

Willock, who joined United in 2012, has come through the ranks at the club and has represented both the Under-18s and Under-23s.

He has been named on the first-team bench on a couple of occasions and came close to his senior debut on the final day of the 2016/17 Premier League season, but Eric Bailly was able to soldier on after picking up an injury in the Reds’ 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

Matty will be hoping to gain more valuable experience during his time at St Mirren, who were promoted to the Scottish top flight last season as the Championship winners after three years in the second tier.

“He certainly brings a physicality to the midfield,” Buddies boss Alan Stubbs told St Mirren's official club website. “Most importantly, he brings competition for places.

“He is a big lad, six foot one or two, powerful, aggressive, he will get around the pitch. He is a threat in terms of scoring, which is what I want to add to the midfield area, and he certainly gives us a lot of options in there.”

Willock added: "I know what I am coming into. I know the tempo of the game is really quick so hopefully my experience last season [with St Johnstone] stands me in good stead."

Everyone at United wishes Matty well during his loan spell at St Mirren.

Matty Willock in action in the recent U23s friendly with Stoke.