Ross County have made a double capture after completing deals to sign St Mirren defender Jason Naismith and Shrewsbury Town midfielder Jim O’Brien.
Naismith had already signed a pre-contract agreement with the Staggies earlier this month, which would have seen the former Scotland under-21 international join the Highlanders in the summer at the end of his contract with the Buddies.
However, County manager Jim McIntyre moved to bring the 22-year-old in during the January transfer window.
The departure of fellow right back Erik Cikos paved the way for Naismith to move north, with the Paisley-born defender yesterday finalising a deal to leave the Championship side early.
Naismith is joined by midfielder O’Brien, who has agreed a loan deal from Shrewsbury until the end of the season.
O’Brien began his career with Celtic but was farmed out on loan to Dunfermline in 2007, where he played alongside McIntyre, before joining Dundee United in a similar deal 12 months later.
The wide player joined Motherwell on a permanent deal later that year, with his impressive performances for the Steelmen earning him a move to English side Barnsley in 2010.
The 29-year-old has played in English football ever since, with spells at Coventry City and Scunthorpe United prior to joining Shrewsbury in the summer.
Despite making 25 appearances for the English League One side this term, O’Brien was keen to return to Scotland, with County believed to have pipped Kilmarnock to his signature.
The double signing marks County’s first incomings of the January transfer window, and McIntyre said: “We’ve been tracking Jason’s progress for a while now and I’m delighted to secure his services on a permanent deal. He is an exciting young prospect and will be a great addition to the squad.
“I’ve worked with Jim O’Brien before at Dunfermline so I know his qualities. He will bring competition in wide areas for us and at 29-years-old he brings a wealth of experience with him.”