JACOB'S LADDER

Old Trafford teenager is determined to make the most of Saints loan spell and follow likes of Mainoo, Casemiro and Paisley hero McGinn to the very top

- COLIN PATERSON

Jacob Devaney hopes a starring role with St Mirren pulls back the curtain at the Theatre of Dreams.

The on-loan Manchester United midfielder is desperate to make the grade at the club he has grown up supporting. Signing on at the SMISA Stadium until the end of the season is the next step towards realising his potential.

Devaney was a deadline day addition and immediately pitched in from the start on Tuesday night as Saints shocked Premiership leaders Hearts 1-0.

It was the perfect debut for the 18-year-old talent - determined to follow in the footsteps of Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro at Old Trafford and who is inspired by ex-Buddie John McGinn's rise to the top at Aston Villa.

And he admitted he is going to relish the getting to grips with the rough and tumble of Scottish football.