ST MIRREN and their former player John McGinn are heading for court after it was revealed the midfielder has taken legal action over a training ground prank that went wrong.

The 20-year-old, who has since left the Paisley club, was spiked in the thigh with a training pole thrown by Steven Thompson at the team's training ground in April.

McGinn missed the last five matches of the campaign and has taken the unusual step of suing his ex-employers over the incident.

St Mirren chairman Stewart Gilmour said: "I can confirm we have received a letter and we have responded.

"There's not a lot I can say about it because our lawyers are obviously involved with John's solicitors and also our insurers.

"It would be improper for me to make any comment on anything regarding an employee."

At the time, Thompson, who was captain of St Mirren, admitted fault and that he was "mortified" by what had happened.

He said: "The whole thing has been a complete nightmare. John is going to be okay, but I'm mortified that it happened in the first place. I was having a carry-on and it turned sour.

"It was a stupid prank, something silly, and it ended with John being injured. I can't apologise enough."

McGinn was left bleeding and needed crutches after the accident, which meant the player having to go to hospital.

The player, who is the grandson of former Celtic chairman Jack, joined St Mirren from school and made 98 appearances before his contract ran out.

Because of his age and the fact he came through the club's youth teams, St Mirren wold be entitled to compensation of approximately £270,000 from his next team.