Tristan thrilled to secure loan deal at Saints Scottish challenge excites new midfielder
New St Johnstone loan signing Tristan Nydam has only heard positive things about Scottish football.
And the talented Ipswich midfielder is planning on making a big impression north of the border after penning a deal until January this week.
The 18-year-old, who has plenty of first-team experience in the English Championship, could even feature against Hamilton on Saturday.
“It’s the first time I have ever been to Scotland but I am looking forward to playing here,” he said.
“I heard about the club’s interest last week and I jumped at the chance.
“My aim in coming to St Johnstone is just to get more experience and play in some big games against Rangers, Celtic and other teams up here.”
Nydam, who was linked with £2 million interest from Arsenal last term, is eager to build on his breakthrough season.
He said: “I didn’t expect it so early but I got a lot of first team experience under Mick McCarthy last year and played in most of the pre-season matches.
”But the new manager Paul Hurst has brought in new players so there is a lot of competition.
“He is looking for me to get first team games to build on last year.”
Saints boss Tommy Wright was thrilled to welcome Nydam to McDiarmid Park.
“I’m really pleased to get this deal done,” Wright said.
“It’s been well documented that we were looking to add a midfielder so I’m delighted to have Tristan here.
“I know quite a lot about him and an old friend of mine from my Newcastle days - Paul Goddard brought Tristan to my attention.
“We had him watched and believe he’s a good fit for our squad.
“He may only be 18-years-old but he has first-team experience and has played in the Ipswich v Norwich
Tristan Nydam finalised the McDiarmid Park deal earlier this week derby, as well as against other big Championship clubs.
“He’s predominantly left footed and can fulfil a number of different roles in the middle of the park.
“He can play as a holding midfielder if required but can also be box-to-box. He’s also very comfortable on the ball and is good in possession.
“He’ll add energy and he’s a tenacious player who works extremely hard. He ticks all of the boxes that you want in a midfielder.”
Wright continued: “He’s highly rated by Ipswich and hopefully he can turn out to be a fantastic addition for us.
“I think the fact that he was keen to come here speaks volumes for the club and also Scottish football.
“We really didn’t have to sell the move to Tristan.
“I think this is a very attractive league for young Premier League and Championship footballers in England to come and gain first-team experience.”