Aaron Essel signs for Saints

We are delighted to confirm the signing of Ghana youth international Aaron Essel, subject to international clearance.

The versatile 18-year-old, who can play in midfield or defence, has agreed a three-year deal at McDiarmid Park.

Aaron, most recently of Bechem United, featured as a trialist against Arbroath on Saturday and is now looking forward to developing his game with us.

Speaking to Saints TV, a delighted Aaron said: “I am so happy to sign here. It is a great step for me in my career and to develop.

“I am very proud and getting the chance to be here is a blessing. I want to show my qualities on the field - my tackles, my passing. I just want to develop to become a key player of the club.

“The staff, players and manager have been amazing. The people here have been so amazing with welcoming me. I love it and I am looking to do my best.”

Aaron, who has played for Ghana in the U23 Africa Cup of Nations, has been enjoying familiarising himself with Perth.

He smiled: “I love the city and I am just trying to do my best to know more about it.”

Manager Craig Levein said: “Aaron is a young lad who has potential and he has a lot of the required skillsets to be a good player. He trained with us for about 10 days towards the end of last season and did really well.

“As we saw on Saturday against Arbroath, he can play in centre midfield. But he can also play full-back and at centre-back. We will see what time brings but he has impressed with his all-round ability.”