St Johnstone have handed a trial to combative Albanian midfielder Ernaldo Krasniqi following his summer release from English Championship side Huddersfield.
The 20-year-old is currently a free agent after being released by the West Yorkshire club and Steven MacLean will likely make a decision on him later this week.
Krasniqi is no stranger to Scottish football after spending a loan period at Falkirk during the 2021/22 season. The 6ft 4in midfielder only played a handful of games during his half-season loan deal, but he impressed while working under the leadership of Paul Sheerin.
Before his Huddersfield release, Krasniqi featured at U17 and U19 level after joining the club on a professional contract in 2019. He has also played for his country at both U17 and U19 level.
Krasniqi offers versatility as he can also play in central defence as well as the holding midfield role.
Saints boss MacLean is looking to add numbers to his squad ahead of the Scottish Premiership getting underway this weekend.
Saints will be bolstered by new defensive recruits before the fixture with Sam McClelland and Oludare Olufunwa putting pen to paper on two-year deals.
Former Chelsea youth McClelland was confirmed by the club earlier today and after signing his deal, the 21-year-old said: “I’m so happy to be here and get the deal over the line. I first heard about a potential move around a week or so ago and I was immediately interested in coming here. I’m really looking forward to getting started.
“The manager was the first to make contact with me and I liked what I heard, he made it a really easy sell for me.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity to come up to Scotland. There’s a real spotlight with so many big games in the Premiership that I’m looking forward to already. I’m here to improve myself but also try be a part of successful St Johnstone team.
“I like defending but I also feel I’m comfortable on the ball as well. I’m here to defend, keep clean sheets and get wins for the team.”
