Saints defender ready to fight for place after signing new deal.

Perth centre-back signs new contract but knows his manager has plenty of options in his position for new season

Frazer Wright knows he’s got a fight on his hands for a first team place at St Johnstone when the new season starts. But it’s a battle he’s ready for.

The veteran defender, who signed a new one-year contract with the Perth club yesterday, will have competition from new recruits Joe Shaughnessy and Brad McKay, as well as the likes of Steven Anderson and Tam Scobbie.

He suspects that he won’t start the campaign in the first XI, but he won’t be throwing his toys out of the pram should that be the case.

“This isn’t a sentimental decision to stay for another season,” the 35-year-old said. “I want to fight for a first team place. “The manager wanted to reduce the age of the squad and I understand that. But I have fought for my place before.

“When I Ieft Stranraer for Kilmarnock I didn’t play until October. But once I got in I stayed there.

“The gaffer will probably want to see how his new signings shape up at the start of the season but I will be waiting for my chance.

“He knows I am ready and willing to play and make a difference.

“He isn’t the type of manager to have favourites. I know what the manager, Callum and Alex are all about and they know me.

“All I need is a chance to play, whether that comes early on or in October, January, whenever it may be. I’m happy to bide my time and help out behind the scenes.

“I’m not going to be a huffy guy if I’m not playing, causing disruption in the dressing room.

“I am here to have a positive influence and see where it goes over the next year.”

Wright took his time to mull over all his options – which included dropping down the leagues in Scotland and an end of career switch to America.

“It took a lot of thinking over the summer,” he admitted. “It could have been tempting to sign for a club closer to home.

“But I’m happy to keep going on here. I’ve only had three clubs in my career. I tend to hang around.

“I was at Stranraer for seven years, six at Kilmarnock and this will by my fifth here.”

Wright added: “I was delighted with the way the second half of the season panned out after getting treatment for the hip injury that had me thinking of calling it a day.

“That turnaround helped make my mind up to stay here rather than drop down the leagues.

“I had offers from the Championship and First Division.

“There was also a phone call about interest from America but I am 35 going on 36 with a family so uprooting everyone at this stage of my career wasn’t really on.

“They would want me playing three times a week and probably on astro. Here the club knows what is needed to make sure my hip problem doesn’t flare up again. I would be putting myself under pressure going over there.

“I still feel I have something to offer and maybe even a wee point to prove after seeing all these defenders being signed up.

“I am with a Premiership team that made the top six again and is in Europe again.

“I have played my best football here. So I was reluctant to drop down.

“And I proved last year I could make a difference and I’m sure I can still have an influence.”

Picture: SNS. Frazer Wright is used to fighting for his place.