Spartans attacker George Hunter has signed for St Johnstone.
The teenager, who has scored 34 goals in 14 games for the Lowland League’s under-20s side, impressed during a week’s training with the Perth club.
Saints saw off competition from Rangers, Hearts and Hibs for his signature and manager Tommy Wright admitted after seeing the likes of Andy Robertson and Aidan Connolly slip through his fingers when they were Queen’s Park players, he did not want to let the same happen with Hunter.
He said: “Our coaches Alec Cleland and Alistair Stevenson were made aware of him and he was in here for a week’s training with the first team so we could take a close look.
“We liked what we saw and we have agreed compensation with Spartans so we want to bring him in now on a two-and-a-half year contract.
“He is only 18 but didn’t look out of place and he is certainly one for the future.
“Having missed out to Dundee United for the likes of Andrew Robertson and Aidan Connolly we are trying to make sure it is an area we improve on and get good young players into the club.”
Wright has likened Hunter’s playing style and eye for a goal to Chris Kane, who returned to McDiarmid Park yesterday after his successful loan spell at Dumbarton.
“I think he is similar in the way he leads the line and likes to run in behind defenders,” added the Saints manager.
“It has been hard work getting to this stage but he has a lot more hard work ahead of him now. But he knows that and his attitude has impressed me. George knows what he has to do to reach the top.
“He will stay with us rather than go out on loan. It is better for him to train with us and play development league games at this stage.”
Wright believes the Stevie May success story will play a part in helping attract young players.
“We have had his dad up to games and he was impressed with the club and the plans we have for George,” he said.
“Stevie’s move to Sheffield Wednesday has probably helped us but parents also want to see a pathway to the first team. If you don’t have that they may not want their boy to sign.
“It might have been an accusation levelled against us that we didn’t play enough young players, but that has been changing and Scott Brown, Chris Kane and Liam Caddis will all play a big part this season.”