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St Mirren manager Danny Lennon confirmed the loan capture of Newcastle United's Adam Campbell after a 4-1 defeat of Dundee United.

The 18-year-old striker will join the Buddies in the New Year and will be available to play from 2 January, pending international clearance.

"We're absolutely delighted he's signed," Lennon told 91Èȱ¬ Scotland.

"He'll bring another dimension to the team as we don't have a great deal of pace up top."

Campbell had been on St Mirren's radar in the summer but the England Under-19 international joined Carlisle United instead.

Lennon believes the deal will benefit all parties.

"He's a player with absolutely fantastic ability," he said. "Most of the fans here today would have seen a little flavour of him when he played for 10-15 minutes in pre-season.

"He has a great hunger, desire and speed, and he just wants to go out there and be given an opportunity. I certainly believe it will be a bit of business that will suit all parties."

Lennon was speaking after watching his side emphatically end Dundee United's six-game winning streak with a victory at St Mirren Park.

Steven Thompson scored a double against his former club, while youngsters John McGinn and Jason Naismith were also on the scoresheet.

United's Nadir Ciftci had given United a glimmer of hope but Keith Watson was sent off for the visitors.

Jackie McNamara's men have received widespread acclaim for their free-flowing football fuelled by a crop of precocious teenagers at Tannadice.

However, Lennon insisted his side had exciting young prospects coming through, and singled out McGinn and Naismith for special praise.

"It was a fantastic game," added Lennon. "Credit to both teams for bringing a very entertaining game.

"It was a stern test following Dundee United's great run of form.

"A lot is spoken about the Dundee United youngsters, and rightly so, but, we've got a good crop of youngsters coming through ourselves and I was absolutely delighted that two of them had a big impact.

"John McGinn's composure for his goal was top drawer. Jason Naismith, who also got on the scoresheet, showed great desire and hunger."