Tanser looking to extend stay at McDiarmid

St Johnstone defender Scott Tanser is hoping to put down roots in Perth.

The full-back, who became a new dad a few weeks ago, has settled off the pitch after his summer move north of the border.

And he is looking at home on the pitch as well.

Brian Easton’s misfortune has been Tanser’s gain and the Englishman has been one of Tommy Wright’s best performers while the former Hamilton Accies man has been out injured.

Now the 23-year-old has his sights set on earning an extension to the one-year deal that runs out in the summer.

“There is always competition for places,” he said.

“If someone gets injured, you need to take your chance and I think I have done that.

“I’m enjoying Scottish football. I’ve had time to settle in now and have a look at what it is all about. I think it is where I belong.

“Everything is going well and I’m hoping to get some security now and push on for a new contract.”

Tanser continued: “I’ve been speaking to my family and I want to be up here for a while. That is my main aim.

“I knew it would be a good place to be when I first arrived.

“As soon as I got here I felt at home and having my family up here is always a bonus.”

Saints’ injury-time winner at Easter Road is an obvious highlight of Tanser’s time at the club so far.

“It was a good feeling when the first goal went in against Hibernian to end the drought,” he said.

“But you can’t beat a last-minute winner because those are the moments you want to be a part of in football.

“Those are the memories that you will cherish forever. The fans have been sticking by us when results haven’t been going well.

“The fans who travelled on Saturday gave us all of their support and it was great to repay them with the result.

“I’ve not seen celebrations like that for a while so it was a special moment for us. The whole dressing room is very together and we are always backing each other and supporting each other. There are no individuals.”

Saints don’t have a game this weekend because scheduled opponents Motherwell are in League Cup final action.

“It would have been nice for me to get straight back into the action this weekend,” said Tanser.

“It seems like the games are every other week at the moment.

“It will be good to get back to straight Saturdays and, for me, that will help with gaining match fitness.”

Scott Tanser enjoyed late goal celebrations.