Newcastle defender Paul Dummett joins St Mirren on loan

Paul Dummett with his St Mirren strip

Newcastle United 20-year-old Paul Dummett has joined St Mirren on loan until January following Buddies manager Danny Lennon's search for a left-back.

The Wales Under-21 international played 10 times on loan to Blue Square Premier League outfit Gateshead last season.

Lennon said: "I first came across him a year ago, but I got a call yesterday afternoon which reignited interest."

Versatile Argentine Franco Miranda had arrived in Paisley in an attempt to win a contract with his former club.

"We will assess his situation - it's a very difficult situation as he hasn't had a pre-season," said the Buddies manager.

Lennon could yet sign the 27-year-old, who can play in midfield as well as left-back, as Miranda is a free agent after leaving Patronato.

McGinn in action for Queen's Park against Motherwell last season

"What we are looking at is someone that is going to come in and fit into the family, has the right character and can play," said Lennon, who is hoping to arrange a bounce game to assess the South American in action.

"We are delighted with our squad at the moment and what we are trying to do is identify someone that can come in and give us a helping hand.

"I won't bring in anybody just for the sake of it.

"I would much prefer in developing the kids that we have at the club."

Miranda spent two seasons on loan with the Buddies from CAI in his homeland before leaving for Chacarita Juniors in 2009.

Before joining the Buddies, Miranda also had spells with River Plate, Racing Club and in Sweden with Helsingborgs.

After leaving Chacarita, he returned for a third spell with CAI then moved to Tiro Federal and most recently Patronato in the Primera B Nacional in Argentina.

Former Queen's Park right-back Paul McGinn has also been training with the Paisley outfit.

The 21-year-old McGinn, who has been on trial with Motherwell, has previously attracted interest from Dundee United and been linked with English clubs.

However, he left the Third Division Spiders at the end of last season.