Ross County defender Jason Naismith was not prepared to let sentiment get in the way of his ambitions after swapping a relegation struggle with hometown club St Mirren to join the Staggies.
Earlier this month Naismith signed a pre-contract agreement to join County on a contract until 2020.
Following the departure of Slovakian defender Erik Cikos, who is set to join up with former County midfielder Filip Kiss at Norwegian club FK Haugesund, County this week agreed a deal for the 22-year-old.
Saints are seven points adrift at the foot of the Championship table and despite seven years with the Buddies, Paisley-born Naismith could not pass up the opportunity to return to the top-flight with the Dingwall side.
Naismith, who is cup-tied for tomorrow’s Scottish Cup match against Dundee United, said: “It is hard – this is my first time away from Paisley. I spoke to the manager Jack Ross on Monday and he made it clear the club were going to do a deal with County.
“Since then, my heart and head have been on Ross County. When I knew County were interested, I was looking at their results, hoping they were doing well.
“But with my commitment to St Mirren – I’ve been there since I was 15 – I was never going to down tools. I played through a couple of injuries in the last few weeks when I really shouldn’t have because I didn’t want people thinking I wasn’t committed.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge up here. I wish St Mirren all the best – they were brilliant for me and I like to think I gave them good service back.
“I think it was time to move on. I injured my cruciate last year and maybe would have moved then if I’d avoided injury, so it was certainly time.
“I’ve played a lot of games for St Mirren and this is the next place to propel me further forward in my career, so I’m looking forward to County now and the challenge ahead.”
Naismith’s only cap for Scotland under-21s came in a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Thun in November 2014 when he came on as a substitute for fellow County right back Marcus Fraser.
Naismith is looking forward to renewing his competition with Fraser for a place in Jim McIntyre’s side, and he added: “I know Marcus well. I’ve played centre back beside him and we are similar players.”
County have released young forward Kyle MacLeod.
The 21-year-old had recently returned from a loan spell with League 2 side Elgin City, where he has spent the last 18 months.
