McINNES ON NEW SIGNINGS

Derek McInnes has spoken of his delight at capturing two of his player targets before heading off on holiday.

Speaking after seeing winger Gavin Swankie (24) and midfielder Chris Millar (23) (pictured) join Saints, Derek said “I am delighted to get both players tied up so soon after the end of the season. I know there has been speculation about both players coming here stretching out over a number of weeks and it is good to have it done and dusted.

“They are both talented players who are at a good age and want to see them maximise their potential at this club. I’ll have a squad of 18 or 19 here next season and I want them all to be expecting to be playing.

“Gavin will give us natural width which is something I think we have struggled with this season and in Chris Millar I have signed a player I know plenty about. He is a fit, driven, energetic individual whose attitude is exactly what I want around here. Although we had him on a pre-contract, Morton made him a fantastic offer to stay which is their right and I think it speaks volumes for him that despite the fact that Cappielow is only five minutes from his home and that he has a lot of ties with Morton, that he thinks that St Johnstone is the right club for him to develop further at.

“I really feel that the confidence that each party has put in each other will be repaid – I firmly believe that these players will enhance our promotion chances and that they will become better players as a result of being at this club.”

Striker Steven Doris has now accepted the one year deal offered to him and Steven Kerr has signed a six month contract but youth players Adam Monaghan, Darren Wilcox, Gordon O’Brien and Johnathon Fairbairn are being allowed to leave the club.