St Johnstone have signed Aberdeen defender Joe Shaughnessy on a two-year deal.
Manager Tommy Wright, who also revealed that midfielder Liam Caddis has agreed a 12-month contract extension and Frazer Wright has been offered new terms for next year as well, has been tracking the Republic of Ireland international for some time.
And he made his move when he got confirmation from former Saints boss Derek McInnes that he was willing to release Shaughnessy from Pittodrie.
Wright sees the same hunger to prove himself and versatility across the back-line as in fellow defensive recruit for next season, Brad McKay.
And the addition of the pair will add some youth to that area of the team.
Wright said: “We are glad to get Joe in. He is only 22 and has a lot of top level experience under his belt.
“He is one that fits the bill for us. He is versatile, he likes getting forward from right-back and he is athletic.
“He can also play centre back. We are pleased to get him on board and he offers us another defensive option.
“With Dave Mackay recovering from a successful two hour hip operation Joe’s position at the start of the season will probably be right back but he can also feature in the centre of the defence.
“It’s not often you get a chance to pick up a player so young with so much experience under his belt.”
Wright added: “Joe will also be hungry and that fits our usual profile. There is an opportunity here to kick on careers and play more games.
“Joe and Brad McKay, who we are bringing in from Hearts, should both flourish.
“Joe has caught my eye since coming to Scotland. He loves defending and age is important because we have a few players over 30.
“Dave could be back in three months, maybe four. But the good news is that the surgery has gone well.”
Youth system product Caddis has been signed up for another year and Wright has challenged him to become a first team regular.
Wright said: “Liam is a vital member of the squad and while he maybe hasn’t played as many games as he’d have liked, he has to push on now.”
Veteran centre-back Wright was offered his new contract yesterday and his manager said “we’ll wait and see what happens on that one”.