St Johnstone have completed the signing of Australia international defender Ryan McGowan on a two-year contract.
McGowan, 32, has previously turned out for Hearts – for whom he famously netted in the 2012 Scottish Cup final against Hibs – Dundee United, Dundee, Ayr and Partick Thistle in Scottish football.
Capped 22 times for the Socceroos, McGowan has plied his trade in China, the UAE and, most recently, Kuwait.
However, the lure of his ‘second home’ – allied to the influx of Aussie stars this summer – made the prospect of a return to familiar shores too good to turn down.
“There has been interest for a couple of weeks now,” McGowan told Saints TV.
“I had to sort a few things out with my old club [Kuwait SC], as soon as that was sorted it was all systems go.
“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 are a lot of fellow Australians here and I think it will be a good league this year.”
Promise
The Saints, who secured Premiership survival through the playoffs last term, have endured an indifferent start to this term.
Premier Sports Cup draws against Annan and Queen of the South were followed by a 4-2 win at Elgin City.
Their group phase campaign concludes against Ayr United on Saturday.
And McGowan added: “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.”
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