SAINTS SECURE DEFENDER ON LOAN

Derek McInnes has this afternoon strengthened his squad by securing the services of a player for the long-vacant left back role.

Irishman Richie Byrne has joined on loan from Inverness Caledonian Thistle, initially for one month, and after completing a training session with his new colleagues at Stirling University this morning travelled to McDiarmid Park this afternoon to sign the papers and he goes straight into the squad for the trip to Dumfries on Saturday.

27 year old Richie made his name in his home country with Shamrock Rovers but has spent the past five years in Scotland with Dunfermline Athletic and Aberdeen. A spell at Oldham was followed more recently by a move to Inverness Caley Thistle but injury intervened soon after moving to the Highland side and although the 6’ 1” defender has been back in full training for several weeks and played reserve matches he is looking to his spell with Saints to bring full match sharpness to himself while providing a valuable addition to the Perth squad at a vital time of the season.

Derek McInnes says of the move, “Richie has played three reserve games since overcoming injury and I travelled up to Inverness on Monday to watch him in action for Caley reserves. The left back role is one I have been trying to fill all season and Richie brings an experience and ability which will be invaluable.”

The player himself has given the Saints Official Website his thoughts on his move to McDiarmid Park.