Scougall all set for his debut in Europe
Europa League is key to bringing Stefan to Saints
Stefan Scougall has never experienced European football before - now he can’t wait to make his mark on the competition.
St Johnstone finally captured the signature of the former Sheffield United playmaker at the weekend, just in time to compete in the Europa League.
The 24-year-old has been busy getting to know his new team mates after penning a two year deal at McDiarmid Park.
His first taste of competitive action with Saints is set to be in Europe and an extended run in the competition is the target.
Scougall said: “Europe was one of the factors in coming to St Johnstone so there was a bit of a sweat getting the paperwork done.
“I was on holiday in Dubai with my girlfriend and hotel staff were great helping me out with scanning documents and emails.
“I had to get my release forms from Sheffield United and sign for Saints in time to be registered for Europe. It was a bit of a nightmare but it’s all good.
“Hopefully Europe will be a great experience. It’s new to me and I’m looking forward to seeing who we get in the draw.
“It would be great to progress through a few rounds and come up against one of the big name clubs in the competition. If we have the luck of the draw the group stages might be a possibility.
“I have played more than 100 games for United and Fleetwood Town, on loan.
“Some of them were massive, including scoring at Wembley in an FA Cup semi-final defeat from Hull City and home and away semi final ties with Tottenham.
“Hopefully there will be more big games for me this season. I wouldn’t have got the chance to play clubs as big as Celtic and Rangers in League One or Two.”
Scougall admitted Wright played an influential role in tempting him back over the border.
And he was anxious when the Ulsterman was linked with Aberdeen if Derek McInnes had switched to Sunderland.
“I met the manager towards the end of last season when I took in the game against Hearts,” Scougall said. “Everything he said was music to me ears.
“There were offers from League One and Two but I was happy to come back to Scotland.
“After speaking to the manager I pretty much had my mind made up to come to St Johnstone if we could get a deal sorted.
“I have been a bit part player in the last couple of years and I am looking to play week in week out.
“I know the manager will give me a chance and that was a big factor in coming up the road.
“I was a bit concerned about speculation linking him with a move to Aberdeen if McInnes had left.
“But he had made it clear he was totally focused on St Johnstone and wanted to get my deal done. He was fully
Scougall with Tommy Wright and (inset) Scougall played against the Saints during his time at Livingston
committed to St Johnstone.”
Saints manager Wright has taken former Rochdale and Port Vale defender Scott Tanser on trial, along with one-time Kilmarnock winger James Dayton.
The 22-year-old was released by the Valiants after they dropped into League Two at the end of last season.
With regular starter Bran Easton nursing a knee injury, Wright is chasing a cover left-back after losing Tam Scobbie to Tayside rivals Dundee United.