Ross County have strengthened their backline with the addition of defenders Keith Watson and Callum Morris.
The pair had both been free agents with Watson having left Premiership side St Johnstone at the end of last season following a loan spell with English National League side Hartlepool United where he made nine appearances.
The 28-year-old began his career with Dundee United and joined Saints in 2016 following a brief spell with St Mirren but his time at McDiarmid Park has been hampered by a troublesome knee injury.
The Staggies had been left short of defensive options following the departures of Jason Naismith, Harry Souttar and Max Melbourne with skipper Andrew Davies also likely to leave.
Staggies co-manager Steven Ferguson was pleased to secure Watson.
He said: “Stuart and I are delighted to get Keith on board for next season.
“Keith has great experience of both the Championship and Premiership in Scotland.
“He is a good defender who can play in a number of positions across the defensive line.
“We believe he will be an excellent acquisition to our group.”
Morris, also 28, joins the Dingwall men after ending a second spell with Championship rivals Dunfermline Athletic earlier in the summer. He was called up to the Northern Ireland squad for the first time in August 2016.
He failed to make an appearance during a brief stint at Aberdeen and also played for Dundee United.
County co-manager Stuart Kettlewell said: “Steven and I have been big admirers of Callum for a long time and with his leadership qualities as well as his experience in both the Premiership and Championship we feel he will be a huge asset to the football club.”
Watson and Morris both reported to Victoria Park yesterday as the Staggies returned for pre-season training with the double capture taking their summer signings tally to seven following the additions of Iain Vigurs, Josh Mullin, Jamie Lindsay, Declan McManus and Harry Paton.
Kettlewell hinted County’s transfer business is nearing completion, adding: “It has been important for us to get the majority of our squad in place for pre-season starting, so by bringing Callum and Keith in at this stage it means we are a step closer to doing that.”
