Kerr like an exciting new signing for Saints: Wright

Defender followed same route as Stevie May

St Johnstone defender Jason Kerr has followed the same development path as Stevie May.

And Perth boss Tommy Wright believes his return to McDiarmid Park will be the equivalent of an “exciting signing” for the club.

Kerr is back with Saints after enhancing his reputation under Gary Naysmith at Queen of the South, and East Fife before that – and the centre-back’s career progression couldn’t have played out much better.

“He has got into the Scotland under-21 squad and he signed a new contract here in December,” said Wright.

“It would be an exciting signing for the fans if Jason was new to us.

“He has had a good pathway to prepare himself for first team football here. He has played over 100 games in League Two and the Championship now so he is ready.

“He has had that progression and if he gets in the team he could stay there.

“Stevie May followed a similar development route and we feel it is a good way to bring on our youngsters.

“If we don’t think they are ready yet they go out and gain experience of first team football. That won’t change.”

Kerr and the other player who has been a Palmerston loan success story in the first half of the campaign, Chris Kane, will come straight into first team contention at McDiarmid.

“Kerr and Kane should be real assets for the second part of the season,” added Wright.

“Jason in my opinion will put real pressure on Shaughnessy and Anderson, along with Liam Gordon. That’s going to be good for us. Jason was probably the best centre-back in the Championship.

“Chris played a couple of different positions early on but he is more experienced and he is coming back here full of confidence.

“I am looking for a greater level of consistency in his game now. That is what is needed from him to become a regular starter. We have a lot of games coming up after having the break. We are looking for everyone to be available.”