New boy Josh is ready for top-flight football

St Mirren splashed the cash on English defender Josh Heaton as the Alan Stubbs era gets into full swing.

The highly rated 21- yearold joins Saints in a deal worth around £ 75,000 from nonleague side Darlington.

The stopper is reported to have turned down a big money move to Middlesbrough in favour of penning a threeyear deal with the Scottish Premiership side.

He becomes new manager Alan Stubbs’ first signing since taking the reins at the Paisley side as he looks to shape a squad capable of challenging in the top flight.

Heaton says he is delighted to join up and can’t wait to get stuck into the season ahead – and has already set his sights on winning silverware in black and white.

He said: “I can’t wait to get going.

“The thought of playing against the big teams and striving to be the best and play first team football was what brought me here.

“Every time I step on that park I want to win. I want to keep a clean sheet and I want our strikers to score as many goals as possible. I want to win games and I want to win trophies.”

The centre half spent much of his early career at Preston North End, and enjoyed spells at Ramsbottom, Tamworth and Stalybridge Celtic before joining Darlington last season, where he made 22 appearances in the National League.

Gaffer Stubbs has moved quickly to strengthen the heart of the St Mirren defence after Harry Davis opted to return south this summer.

The club have been linked with a number of other players in recent days, including former Celtic frontman Anthony Stokes, who has held talks with the club.

It is understood the club also held informal talks with striker Kenny Miller but he remains favourite to land the vacant managerial post at Livingston. LINES OPEN M- 6PM