We are delighted to confirm the loan signing of Port Vale forward Ruari Paton.
Paton, no stranger to Scottish football, arrives at McDiarmid Park until the end of the 2025/26 season.
The Irishman kick-started his career at Stranraer before enjoying a successful stint at Queen of the South.
He then had a highly impressive Scottish Championship season at Queen’s Park where he netted 22 goals across 43 games in all competitions.
Paton signed for English League One side Port Vale in the summer of 2024 and has also had a loan spell at Dundee United.
On joining Saints, he said: “Everything made sense. I’m looking to get back to my best – and this felt like a good place to be.
“There will be an expectancy on me to do well, especially coming back to a league where I’ve done well before.
“That maybe brings added pressure but I’m just looking forward to this move and all the emotions that come with it.
“It seems like a really good group. Hopefully I can come in and help what is already a good environment.”
Paton added: “I hope to bring composure, tenacity and of course some goals. But I can say that all I want, I need to show the supporters.
“I’m just feeling pure excitement and, as I said, I’m really looking forward to having a good crack at this and having a strong finish to the season.
“I’m so eager to get out there on the training field with all the guys. It’s going to be great.”
