Stephen Robinson believes Scotland international Declan Gallagher can help plug St Mirren’s leaky defence.
The Buddies had one of the worst defensive records in the top flight last season, shipping 51 goals as their top six push eventually ran aground.
Robinson quickly made improving the Saints’ back line a top priority this summer, with centre back Gallagher joining on a two-year deal from Jim Goodwin’s Aberdeen yesterday morning.
And the former Motherwell boss feels 31-year-old Gallagher can help steer the Paisley club to a much stronger Premiership campaign, having skippered the Fir Park side under his guidance in the past.
Speaking exclusively to Renfrewshire Live Sport ahead of the Buddies pre-season trip to Northern Ireland, Robinson said: “I’ve signed Declan before so I know exactly what I’m going to get from him.
“Looking at last season it was absolutely clear we had to improve defensively. Our record at the back last season simply wasn’t anywhere near good enough.
“He improves us dramatically as he’s not only very good in the air, he’s also very good on the ball.
“I want us to play out a bit more from the back this season and he will definitely help us do that.
“He’s also a leader and a current Scotland international. We need experience and organisational skill and he has that in abundance.
“We’ve got a very young squad and the likes of Declan and Joe Shaughnessy will be vital next season to help keep the youngsters heading in the right direction.”
While they’ve already been very active in the summer transfer window, Robinson revealed there will be at least one more new recruit moving to Paisley in time for next season.
A swoop for 24-year-old Keanu Baccus was agreed at the end of last season, with the Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder now almost ready to join up with his new teammates after agreeing a two-year deal.
Robinson explained: “Keanu has signed, the contract has come through fine and we’re expecting that to be finalised imminently.
“We’ve got everything in place with the SFA, the hold up is at the Australian end but we’re confident it will be sorted very soon.
"Hopefully he'll be with us by the end of our Belfast trip.
“He will give us a lot of energy in the middle of the park once he’s up to speed and he’s another we’re excited to add to the squad.”
St Mirren travelled to Belfast this morning ahead of their opening pre-season fixture of the 2022/23 campaign.
That will see Robinson’s men take on Crusaders tonight, before facing league champions Linfield on Saturday.
Robinson insists the tough level of competition will stand his side in great stead heading into their opening Premier Sports Cup clash with Arbroath in Paisley on Saturday, July 9.
He added: “I’ve always taken my teams to Northern Ireland in the past because I know we’re going to get competitive games in front of good crowds.
“It’s really important to have that level of competitiveness and Linfield and Crusaders are both very strong teams who regularly play in European competitions.
“Both games are great tests for us and so far the boys are looking very sharp already and hungry for the new season to start.
“Everyone has got an opportunity to impress me now, the new signings and the boys who were already here last season.
“We’ve also got four young boys with us on the trip too and it’s a chance for them as well.
"Every training session and every game is an opportunity for every player we have to make their mark.”
