STEVEN MACLEAN is set to return to St Johnstone following his recent exit from Hearts.

The McDiarmid Park hero, who famously netted a cup final goal against Dundee United, will return to Perth as first team coach under the new leadership of Callum Davidson.

Davidson is set to be confirmed as Tommy Wright’s successor later today after a deal was sealed earlier this morning.

And MacLean, who scored 53 goals in 198 appearances for Saints, has been given the role of first team coach under the new set-up.

Alec Cleland will also be part of Davidson’s backroom staff and will return to his position of assistant coach.

MacLean was this month released from Hearts along with 15 others as the Tynecastle club started preparations for life in the Championship next season.

The 37-year-old will now hang up his boots in favour of a career in coaching with his former side.

St Johnstone announced late last night that they had reached an agreement with Millwall to speak to former Scotland international Davidson.

The 43-year old was Gary Rowett’s assistant at the London based club, but after talks with Saints chairman Steve Brown, he has decided to take his first job as a manager.

Davidson worked as Wright’s assistant for five years before linking up with Rowett at Stoke City, ahead of their move to Millwall.

The former full-back also had a stint as Scotland assistant manager when Gordon Strachan was boss of the national side. 

Davidson will take charge of his first training session next week where he will size up his squad ahead of the new season beginning on August 1.