ST Mirren are keen on signing Zach Hemming on a permanent deal after the goalkeeper returned to the Scottish Premiership side on loan for the second half of the season.

Hemming was a big hit with St Mirren on loan last season and the Buddies were keen on re-signing the 24-year-old in the summer.

It was instead decided that Hemming would spend the season on loan at Leyton Orient, in League One, but that move didn't go to plan and the keeper was recalled at the start of this week.

A deal was then swiftly agreed for Hemming to return to St Mirren, whose boss Stephen Robinson is already looking ahead to the summer and making the deal permanent.

He said: "We’re delighted to have Zach back.

"We think Zach is a very good goalkeeper that we've managed to get back again.

"We all know what he can do. He was very successful last season and we will be in discussions with Middlesbrough as we look at the potential of making it permanent at the end of the season.

"My job is to make the squad as strong as we possibly can in every position. I believe bringing Zach in strengthens the squad and gives us another percentage in trying to stay in the top six."

Brentford loanee Ellery Balcombe has been St Mirren's first choice keeper in the first half of the season but the Bees have the option to cut that deal short this month.

Robinson said: "That's up to Brentford what they do with that situation. But at the minute, we've got very good competition for goalkeepers."

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After his difficult spell at Leyton Orient, Hemming is delighted to be back at St Mirren, where he was hugely popular with teammates and supporters.

He said: "I'm pleased that it got over the line and I'm here early in January. Hopefully we can get back into Europe or we can do as well as we did last season and see how it goes.

"It's like I've never been away. It was really pleasing to see few faces from here last year and obviously a few new faces. It was just good to get back training with the lads and obviously training with Langers.

"The family always watch the games and the kids still support St Mirren. I had to a few decisions regarding where to go but as soon as St Mirren came in there was only one place I was going.

"I thought I played my part very well last year and I just loved being here. It's a great club, great people in it and everyone just welcomed you as soon as I walked through the door and that played a massive part in it."

Hemming's current contract at Boro is due to expire at the end of next season.