St Johnstone yet to decide on trialist Jim Paterson

Paterson last played on the UK mainland against Spurs in the Europa League

Versatile wing-back Jim Paterson has gone from the Europa League spotlight to waiting to hear if he has impressed as a trialist with St Johnstone.

The 32-year-old Scot was most recently with Shamrock Rovers, with whom he played on the European stage.

But Saints manager Steve Lomas said: "We still haven't decided on Jim. It's a difficult one.

"I like Jim and it's something we've got to sit down over the next couple of days and discuss with the chairman."

Paterson, who can play at full-back or on the left wing, began his senior career with Dundee United before moving to Motherwell then Plymouth Argyle.

However, after a loan spell with Aberdeen, he was released by the cash-strapped Pilgims in the summer.

I know what Lee is all about. He is a wide player who likes to take full-backs on and Jack is similar. It just provides us with competition

He joined Rovers and played against PAOK Salonika, Rubin Kazan and Tottenham Hotspur as they became the first Irish side to feature in the group stages of the Europa League.

Paterson helped the Hoops retain their domestic title, but manager Michael O'Neill has since moved on to become Northern Ireland's national coach and been replaced with former Dunfermline Athletic boss Stephen Kenny.

Meanwhile, Lomas has told new signings Jack Compton and Lee Croft they will both have to fight to earn their place in his team.

The pair joined the Perth club on loan this week, Compton from Falkirk and Croft from Derby County, and could be in the squad the Scottish Premier League game against Hibernian.

Lomas is familiar with Croft from his time at Norwich, when Lomas was the Canaries' youth coach, while Compton has just completed another loan spell at Bradford City.

"It's added competition and it can only be good for St Johnstone," said the manager.

"They are not guaranteed to go straight in, they are going to have to fight and earn the right to get in the team.

"The boys who are there have been doing well.

"I know what Lee is all about. He is a wide player who likes to take full-backs on and Jack is similar. It just provides us with competition."