Ex-Hearts striker Steven MacLean set for St Johnstone return

Steven MacLean is set to return to St Johnstone as part of the coaching set-up. Picture: SNS

Steven MacLean is set to retire and return to St Johnstone as part of a new look coaching set-up following his Hearts departure.

The 37-year-old is to be appointed first-team coach at the Perth Saints, according to The Herald, working under new boss Callum Davidson who is expected to be announced as Tommy Wright’s successor.

St Johnstone confirmed they were in advanced talks with their former player after being granted permission by Millwall where Davidson is assistant manager to Gary Rowett.

MacLean is a St Johnstone legend, playing more than 200 times across six seasons and scoring in the 2-0 win over Dundee United to claim the Scottish Cup in 2014, the club’s first major piece of silverware.

The striker joined Hearts on a free contract in 2018.

When the signing was announced, then manager Craig Levein said: “One of the things that I like, and this might sound quite strange, but I like the fact he has never been able to run.”

He scored nine goals in 52 games and spent the second part of the season on loan at Raith Rovers where he made a positive impact.

MacLean has worked under Davidson – St Johnstone’s record sale at £1.75million – previously with the former Scotland international assistant boss under Wright for a number of seasons before leaving to work with Rowett at Stoke City.

Current caretaker boss Alec Cleland is expected to return to assistant manager, a role he took on when Davidson left the club.