John Sutton is out of contract in the summer

Hughes is an admirer of the relegation-threatened club's striker, who is out of contract in the summer.

"We have spoken to John Sutton's agent just to tell him of our interest," said Hughes as the sides prepare to meet.

"He is a player we admire, but I think it would be unfair if we were talking to John directly before any game."

St Mirren travel to Falkirk Stadium four points ahead of bottom club Dunfermline in the Scottish Premier League.

"You have to have a bit of respect for other clubs, especially with the situation they are in," said Hughes.

We will be doing it by the book and asking to speak to John Falkirk head coach John Hughes

"I think St Mirren will respect that we have done that. Yes, we have spoken to the agent about our interest.

"If we are going to take it any further, the next step will be letting St Mirren know that we are 100% interested.

"We will be doing it by the book and asking to speak to John.

"I think it will mean having to wait until the end of the season to speak to him because I think John Sutton can score goals to keep St Mirren in the Premier League and I would hate if someone was doing it to me.

"I would not want his head to be somewhere else. I think he has a big part to play for St Mirren."

Indeed, St Mirren are still hopeful that they can persuade Sutton to re-sign should they avoid relegation.

Meanwhile, Hughes has revealed progress has been made in Falkirk's attempts to re-sign Jack Ross, Kenny Milne and Stephen O'Donnell on fresh terms.

"Contracts went out to most of them and we have opened up talks with them again, Jack Ross and Kenny Milne," said the manager.