New boy Ian says Saints can be challengers
Ian McShane reckons St Mirren will be challenging at the right end of the table next season, having agreed a two- year deal with the Championship side.
The centre midfielder, who agreed his release from top-flight Ross County yesterday afternoon, becomes Jack Ross’ 10th summer signing after the Buddies beat off competition from league rivals Dunfermline for the 24-year-old’s signature.
The former Queen of the South man joins back up with Buddies assistant James Fowler who was his boss at Palmerston, as well as former Queens teammate Gavin Reilly.
McShane admits that St Mirren’s form at the end of last season, as they avoided the drop on the final day of the campaign, played a role in the move. But he insists he hasn’t arrived in Paisley for a relegation battle.
McShane said: “I’m delighted to have got everything sorted out so quickly. I spoke to the manager here and everything was very positive, and everyone I spoke to about joining St Mirren only had positive things to say.
“I know James Fowler well from our time at Queens and he was someone that I thoroughly enjoyed working under.
“He played a part in getting me to the club, and I spoke to Gavin Reilly and Rocco Quinn too about the club as a whole.
“The side obviously finished the season on a high last time around and will be looking to carry that on into the new season.
“Everyone will be looking to pull the club up to the right end of the table and forget about trying to beat the drop.
“It is always a tight league, but St Mirren are a big club and we will be looking to have a successful season.”
With one year left to run on his deal at Ross County, McShane spent much of pre-season with the Premiership club and also travelled with the Staggies squad for a five-day training camp in La Manga, Spain.
However, with County boss Jim McIntyre strengthening his midfield ranks having agreed a loan deal for Celtic midfielder Jamie Lindsay, formerly of Dumbarton and Morton, McShane was set to find his game time limited.
In two seasons with the Dingwall side, McShane managed 27 starts and 10 substitute appearances, scoring three times.
McShane admits he is excited to get back playing regularly as he joins up with the squad for the first time at Ralston this morning.
He added: “The training set-up is fantastic, and I just want to now focus on my football and show what I can do.”