FORMER Hearts, Dundee United, Dundee, Ayr United and Partick Thistle defender Ryan McGowan has signed a two-year contract with St Johnstone.
The Australia internationalist, who was part of the Socceroos' 2014 World Cup squad, was most recently playing for Kuwait SC before agreeing a free transfer to McDiarmid Park.
The 32-year-old is pleased to seal a return to Scotland and is hoping that as an experienced member of the Perth outfit, he can guide some of the younger members of Callum Davidson's squad during his time at the club.
“I’m delighted to get the deal done," he told the Saints website. "It has been a long process trying to get out of my previous club, I am delighted to be here and I am looking forward to get started.
“There has been interested for a couple of weeks now. I had to sort a few things out with my old club, as soon as that was sorted it was all systems go. I am delighted to get here before the start of the season.
“There is a number of reasons. I have a big personal connection to Scotland, it’s basically my second home. It was a good opportunity to get back here and play in the Premier League. There is a lot of fellow Australians here and I think it will be a good league this year.
“I think it’s important to have a good blend of youth and experience. I have trained a few times now and we already have a good level of young players from what I can see.
"It is important for me as one of the older boys to make sure I can help them in anyway possible. Most of all I have to make sure I help the club; we want to be successful this year.
"It was a disappointing season last year and we want to make sure we do well this time. Not only in the league but the cup competitions as well."
