St Johnstone to block any Hartlepool United move for Keith Watson

Watson’s loan deal from St Johnstone ended last week, and the Scottish defender returned to Perth having impressed at Pools but with no extension agreed.

But Saints boss Tommy Wright has revealed he is hanging on to the player, for now at least.

“Keith is back. I can’t see anything happening with Hartlepool,” said Wright.

“Due to injuries, he’ll be going nowhere at the minute anyway.

“Keith proved last year what a good player he is. He’s just been so unfortunate with injuries.

“Football can give you opportunities when you don’t expect them. Things can change very quickly.

“He’ll travel with squad to Albion Rovers this weekend.”

At his pre-Wrexham presser Harrison had hoped a deal could be brokered.

Talking of Watson and Jonathan Franks, whose deal also ended on Wednesday, the boss said: “We are doing what we can to renegotiate and re-sign them

“Am I confident we can? I do not know. It is not in my hands.

“I would love to. They have been great players who have contributed at both ends of the pitch.

“It was always my number one target to keep them. And I will be passing that on to the powers that be.”