91Èȱ¬

St Mirren midfielder Kenny McLean will be out of action for a further two to three weeks as he requires surgery on a knee injury.

The 20-year-old, linked with Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town, missed the 2-2 Boxing Day draw away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

"He goes in for a minor operation," a relieved Lennon, who had feared a long spell out, told 91Èȱ¬ Scotland.

"It also falls into the period going into the winter break."

The Scottish Premier League breaks up on 3 January and Lennon is hopeful that McLean could return to action in time for the 19 January visit by Ross County.

Although the manager admits that the timescale could be tight for that game, he is confident the Scotland Under-21 midfielder will return for their next game.

That comes in the shape of the Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final against Celtic at Hampden Park on 27 January.

McLean's appearance in the showpiece is not only dependent on the success of his keyhole surgery but also on him remaining a Buddies player by then.

Lennon has previously revealed that scouts have been watching the blossoming midfield talent and wondered how long the club could retain his services.