St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin says former Huddersfield Town striker Collin Quaner’s Scottish Premiership spell is likely over after an injury setback.
The German forward arrived in Paisley in the winter transfer window, having left Huddersfield Town at the end of last season. Quaner suffered a medial ligament injury on his debut against St Johnstone and has made three appearances overall for the Buddies.
Quaner arrived from Huddersfield Town. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
But while thought to be fit for this weekend’s Scottish Cup third round match with Hamilton, Goodwin says Quaner has suffered a setback that could end his season. Saints had similar selection problems with striker Seifedin Chabbi last season as the league shutdown curtailed the forward’s St Mirren spell after three games also.
Goodwin said: “Collin Quaner we thought was back to full fitness but we’ll be doing well to see him before the end of the season. He broke down in training this week, we’ve been very unfortunate. He’s played at the highest level.
“I don’t particularly like the January window as the players you go for are usually there for a reason. They are either free agents because they haven’t got a club in the summer or they have been released because they haven’t been playing.
Disappointment for Goodwin. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“There is always a risk and fitness concerns but we didn’t have an issue with Collin as he’s a fit guy. He was in really good shape but was unfortunate against St Johnstone as he took some medial ligament damage.
“But since then he has had a hamstring problem and that’s purely down to conditioning. He hasn’t had a proper pre-season and hasn’t been ready for the demands we have put on him, which is really disappointing.”
Quaner arrived after playing for Huddersfield Town in the Premier League as he looked to put himself in the frame for a bigger move elsewhere, but Goodwin says he hasn’t done enough to earn a St Mirren extension.
Likely . (Photo by John Early/Getty Images)
The Saints manager said: “He’s a great guy and is well-liked in the dressing room. But he didn’t come here for a holiday. He came here to play and put himself in the shop window to get himself a better contract somewhere else in the summer.
“We wouldn’t be able to afford Collin in normal circumstances. I don’t think Collin’s done enough to merit another contract at this point in time. We aren’t having those talks with Collin and I’m sure he’ll understand.
“He was brought in to score goals and help us get into that top six. It hasn’t worked out that way but that’s football. I don’t think he’ll be here beyond the summer. People get injuries and there’s nothing you can do, these things happen. But there’s no point moaning about it.”
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