Midfielder Paton came through ‘strictest medical’

Paul Paton was put through the “strictest medical” Tommy Wright has known at McDiarmid Park before he became a St Johnstone player.

The midfielder, whose transfer from Dundee United was completed earlier in the week, had one knee operation last year and it was feared towards the end of the season that a second may be needed.

Wright explained: “We were aware of his knee problem in the past but we have put Paul through hoops. He has undergone the strictest medical I have known in my time as manager here.”

“We would not have entered into this deal had we not been given positive feedback from the medical people,” added Wright.

“It meant a wait for Paul but he understood that we had to keep ourselves covered.”

Paton is renowned for his battling qualities in the middle of the park but Wright believes his latest signing brings much more to the table than a physical presence.

“Paul is an aggressive player but he is a good passer of the ball as well as being physical,” he said. “That quality is sometimes overlooked in his game.

“He is a determined player with a great attitude. He is a dedicated professional and he will settle in nicely with us.

“If you look at his career it took him a while to get to the top level and now he is making the most of his attributes.”

Wright has had a successful close season so far, with Paton joining fellow recruits Michael Coulson, Keith Watson and Blair Alston.

“Paul is one of several players we have targeted to add quality and depth to the squad,” Wright said. “We knew his situation had changed at Dundee United and my job here is to strengthen the squad and make it stronger for another tough season ahead.

“I believe we are enhancing the squad with all our signings. We are in good shape for what will be an even more challenging campaign.

“My job is to try and make sure we are in with a fighting chance of the top six.

“I want competition throughout the team. I have always said the strength of this club has not been built on one to 11 but on the depth of quality we have in the squad. That has helped us bring success to the club.”

Tommy Wright: admires Paton’s passing skills.