Stevie May has the potential to take the SPL by storm with St Johnstone, according to his temporary boss at Alloa, Paul Hartley.
The 19-year-old striker returns to Saints at the end of the season following his amazing loan spell at Recreation Park which has seen him bag 17 goals in 17 games.
After hitting four in Saturday’s 8-1 rout of Elgin, which saw Alloa clinch the Third Division title, manager Hartley believes May is a star in the making.
He said: ”Stevie has done a wonderful job for us. Sometimes you don’t know what you are going to get when someone comes to you on loan. But he has been fantastic and, apart from the 17 goals, he has worked his socks off for the team.
”His work-rate is incredible and he has a big, big future ahead of him. I am sure he will do really well in the SPL and the experience of playing for Alloa, and getting a championship medal, will have done him the world of good.
”Stevie’s only 19 and still has a lot to learn, and in years to come I am sure he will always remember the time he had with us. And our season has not finished yet we would like him to get 20 goals.”
May hasn’t been the only loan star for the runaway champions.
Hartley added: ”Ross McKinnon, who is on loan to us from Motherwell but will be going back to them, has been great as well steady, strong, and with a great left foot.
”They have been brilliant loan signings for us and neither turned up their noses at coming to Alloa from the SPL clubs to play in the Third Division.
”They have done what was asked of them and more. I will definitely be looking at future loan moves because they have worked out well for us.”