St Mirren boss has 'no idea' about Dijksteel's Cork absence

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson has insisted he had "no idea" of the circumstances that led to pre-contract signing Malik Dijksteel sitting out Cork City's match against Sligo Rovers on Friday.

The Scottish Premiership club announced on Tuesday they had agreed a deal to sign the 24-year-old Dutch winger when his contract with the League of Ireland club expires in January.

Cork manager Gerard Nash then claimed after Friday's 3-2 League of Ireland Premier Division defeat that Dijksteel had asked not to play against Sligo.

"St Mirren made a bid to take him in this window, but that was rejected by the club," Nash said. "Unfortunately, since then, Malik's agent made it clear that he was unavailable for this match for personal reasons."

Robinson was asked about the latest developments with Dijksteel after his side defeated Ayr United 2-1 on Sunday to book a home encounter with Heart of Midlothian in the second round of the Premier Sports Cup.

"I'm not so sure he did make himself unavailable, I have no idea," the Northern Irishman said. "I'm sure, if he's under contract, he's available to play. I've not had any contact in that area, that's not my role.

"Malik's a Cork player until the end of their season, so that'll be other people that need to speak about that. It's certainly not my remit to be taking players before their time.

"We'd love to have him, of course, but there has to be an agreement between the two football clubs."

Robinson, who handed a debut to goalkeeper Shamal George against Ayr, is hoping to add more new faces to his squad but said: "Maybe we have to move one, maybe two, on before that happens."

He was pleased to see Killian Phillips score his second double in two games but is wary of the recently-capped Republic of Ireland midfielder's form attracting suitors.

"If he keeps scoring goals, it's a real concern for us, but a good concern," Robinson said of the 23-year-old who signed permanently this summer after impressing on loan from Crystal Palace.

"He's continued on where he left off last season with his form and his energy. He's a driving force in the team."