NEW KEEPER WANTS TO IMPRESS

Graeme Smith says he enjoyed his two years with Rangers but knows that he has made the right move by joining Saints.

The 26 year old former Kilmarnock keeper penned a two year deal at McDiarmid Park yesterday and after signing he mapped out his thinking behind the decision to quit Ibrox.

“I had another year of my contract to run but I’m ambitious and I want to be playing first team football. I felt that I did well during my time at Ibrox but they had guys like Allan McGregor and Roy Carroll and then Neil Alexander on their books – all international goalkeepers and it is hard to get ahead of keepers of that quality.

“It was a great experience and I am definitely a better goalkeeper now than when I signed for Rangers but it is time to move on and try and get myself playing regularly in the SPL the way I was when I was with Kilmarnock.”

Despite the lack of first team action, Graeme has no regrets about his time with the Glasgow side.

“It was a great experience. To be on the bench for the UEFA Cup semi-finals and final and then the Scottish Cup Final against Queen of the South was something I won’t forget. It has given me a couple of notable medals as well which are nice to have but as an unused sub you don’t feel you have earned them. There is nothing better than feeling you have earned success and that is what I want to do.”

Graeme admits that the move has come about quickly and says he is desperate to get started.

“I only heard about St Johnstone’s interest late last week. I spoke with Derek McInnes and I liked the sound of his plans for the team and what he wants to do. He didn’t state whether he envisages me as being the first, second or third choice keeper, just that he wants a strong squad and that it is up to me to do well and try and force my way into the team.”

“I can’t wait to meet up with the boys next Tuesday and get started. Rangers only came back to training yesterday (Thursday) so next Tuesday will be the start of my pre-season training and I can’t wait.”