St Mirren manager Alan Stubbs said he's hopeful of getting a deal for defender Cole Kpekawa over the line after an impressive trial period.

The versatile ex-QPR stopper has been training with the Buddies as he looks to earn a deal following his release by Colchester.

Kpekawa was set to play his part on Saturday when St Mirren were due to face Bolton in a friendly only for the Trotters to pull out of the fixture following a player strike.

The 22-year-old has impressed Stubbs enough during in-house matches, however, to leave the new Saints boss confident Kpekawa would prove a shrewd addition as his squad continues to take shape.

He said: "We're very hopeful of concluding that deal.

"He's done well since he came in, I've been very happy with the way he has trained.

"From what I've seen from our in-house games he looks like he could be a very good addition to the squad."

St Mirren signed Aberdeen goalkeeper Danny Rodgers on a season-long loan deal on Wednesday, one day after Middlesbrough defender Hayden Coulson also arrived on loan.

On his squad make-up, Stubbs added: "Looking at it, it's still evolving.

"We're obviously happy with what we've brought in, the competition for places has to be at the highest it's been.

"Is it the end? No, we certainly need a little bit more in.

"But I'm excited to see the team start to take shape.

"One thing with Hayden is he is a talented young lad, he's been with England all the way through up to now.

"We're really lucky to get his services, we've high expectations for him.

"I want to bring a hunger and energy to the team.

"You need that mix between youth and experience and we feel we're getting a better balance of that.