ST MIRREN are reportedly preparing to face Celtic and Rangers with a decimated squad after a Covid outbreak.

The club confirmed a number of positive Covid tests were returned on Friday with reports today claiming a "dozen first-team players and eight regulars" will miss the matches.

The Scottish Sun claim Buddies chiefs have decided against requesting the match with Celtic on Wednesday be postponed.

The newspaper reports Jim Goodwin has just ten fit outfield players for the match and has been granted permission to recall a number of on-loan youngsters.

Players affected by the outbreak will also miss the Boxing Day clash against Rangers at Ibrox through self-isolation rules.

The Scottish Sun go on to claim five will be out of isolation in time for the clash with Dundee United on December 29.

It's a blow for Goodwin who is without victory in the last nine matches scoring just six goals in that period.

The Buddies currently sit ninth in the Scottish Premiership, four points above bottom club St Johnstone.

A St Mirren statement on Friday read: "St Mirren Football Club can confirm that following recent lateral flow testing we have unfortunately received a number of positive COVID-19 cases.

"In line with Government guidelines, those affected have now taken PCR tests and will self-isolate for 10 days. 

"Training has been suspended, but as it stands our upcoming matches will still go ahead. We will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days.

"The health and wellbeing of our players and staff remains our utmost priority. 

"St Mirren Football Club will make no further comment at this time."