Uche Ikpeazu feels he is coming back to the Scottish Premiership as "a more mature player" after the ex-Heart of Midlothian forward signed a two-year deal with St Johnstone.
Ikpeazu, 29, spent two seasons at Tynecastle between 2018 and 2020, mainly playing under the current Saints manager Craig Levein.
During his time in Gorgie, the Englishman scored 10 times from 55 appearances, and since leaving the Scottish capital four years ago, Ikpeazu has had spells at various clubs across the EFL including Middlesbrough, Cardiff, and most recently Port Vale. Plus, a short stint with Turkish side Konyaspor.
“I’m excited, I can focus on this new journey and challenge back here in Scotland,” Ikpeazu told St Johnstone's website. “I’m looking forward to imposing myself on the league.
“The supporters might know me from my time in the Scottish Premiership before. I’m a more mature player now and want to exceed my own expectations. I have worked with the gaffer before and I’m ready to help the team. I want to show my quality and talent.
“I’m hungry, determined, focused and can’t wait to see everyone at McDiarmid Park. I know where I’m at and I can really get the head down and build forward.”
Levein, who guided St Johnstone to Premiership safety on the final day of the season, expressed his delight at linking up with the striker again and expects him to be a great asset to the Perth team.
“I’m really pleased to get Uche in and to get him in so early,” he said. “I know exactly what he is capable of from his previous time spent in Scottish football.
“He is a real handful in the forward department and is a top professional too. I’m sure he will be a great asset for the team and for our other strikers at the club.
“Uche will be keeping himself ticking over until we return for pre-season and then we look forward to getting started with him fully.”
