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St Mirren manager Gary Teale says he will not make a formal application to keep his job - because the board should already know if he is up to the task.

The relegated Paisley club announced earlier this week they were inviting interested candidates to apply for the job given to Teale until the summer.

Chairman Stewart Gilmour made it clear that Teale would be considered if he put his name forward.

"I don't think I have to make a formal application," said the 36-year-old.

"The board know me inside out. I've already stated my case - I would love the job.

"Do I need to go and apply for it? Probably not, because I feel I've done enough in five or six months to show what I'm doing more than you will get out of me sitting through an interview."

Teale took charge in December after Tommy Craig was sacked but has been unable to prevent St Mirren finishing bottom of the Scottish Premiership.

"I want the job, but now it's up to the board whether they offer me it," he said. "I'm throwing it back to them to decide.

"They already know my thoughts on the job and how I can change the mentality of the club.

"We need to stop thinking that we are 'only St Mirren'. We have to set the targets high and have ambition."

As things stand, Teale has only two games left in charge - starting with Saturday's visit by Motherwell.

St Mirren have handed new two-year contracts to three midfielders they hope will become first-team regulars.

Jack Baird, 19, and Lewis Morgan, 18, have both made six appearances, while 18-year-old Barry Cuddihy has played twice as a substitute.

However, Teale hopes his future will be addressed quickly so he can start building his senior squad ahead of their return to the Championship.

"The players might want to stay, or they might want to look elsewhere, but until we know what is happening with my position, we can't really do that," he said.

"There are one or two who have come to me and asked about their situation."