Bristol City in talks to land McInnes

McInnes was linked with the vacancy at the npower Championship club following the departure of Keith Millen at the start of the month.

A statement on Saints’ official website confirmed: “Following negotiations, the club have agreed to Bristol City’s request to interview manager Derek McInnes.”

City chairman Colin Sexstone said: “Derek is one of the people we would like to speak with about the job.

“He is a strong contender, we’ve heard good things about him and hence the reason we have requested permission from St Johnstone to interview him about the role.”

According to their official website, City plan to hold interviews at the start of next week, with a view to making an appointment ahead of next Sunday’s home game against Birmingham.

Meanwhile, McInnes is boosted by the return of two key players for today’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Inverness after Murray Davidson and Frazer Wright recovered from knee and calf injuries respectively.

The Saints boss said: “It’s good to have them back available, they are important players for us.

“Murray has worked extremely hard to get back and he’s back bang on schedule. We worked hard to bring Frazer to the club, he’s got a big presence and experience, and it’s good to have him back too.”