"He's got a great physique," said McGhee. "That will be important to us. I intend to create a team here that has a physical side to it.

"We're going to play football, of course, when we have the ball, but we have got to get the ball back and I am assured Simon can be part of a team that can do that."

Craig Dargo could also be part of that side. The 29-year-old striker, whose contract with Inverness Caledonian Thistle has ended, has held talks with St Mirren, but McGhee said: "He is one of the players who the club have been considering. He is a player I probably know more about than a lot of the players on the list. I think he can score goals, so he's certainly one we should consider."

The Well gaffer added: "I spoke to Hamburg this morning. I am asking clubs if they have anyone who they feel needs a season on loan. I went to Felix Magath, who is now at Wolfsburg, and is still a good friend of mine.

"It might not come to anything, but I'll be exploring every avenue."