JAMIE LANGFIELD is out to emulate the success of glove pal Paul Gallacher and prove he can make it as St Mirren’s No.1.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper put pen to paper on a deal with the Buddies that will see him join Ian Murray’s coaching staff as well as squad.

It is a similar set up to that at Firhill that has seen Gallacher used as goalie coach and a player in recent seasons, with him racking up 39 appearances since joining the Jags two years ago.

And now Langfield has moved back down to his hometown club in Paisley following 10 years service at Aberdeen, he is keen to seek inspiration from his Glasgow counterpart and oust Mark Ridgers from the starting XI.

He said: “I know Gall really well and he’s in much the same position at Partick. He was in and out of the team.

“Some people might find it strange that I want Mark’s jersey at Saints, but ultimately it’s the manager that will make that decision.

“The goalkeeping coach is basically there for his ideas, his training and getting the keepers ready for games. That’s why I’m here.

“Mark’s in charge of the jersey at the moment, and he will keep it as long as he plays as well as he has been doing."

Langfield may have just arrived at St Mirren Park but he is already confident he can enjoy some home comforts at Greenhill Road.

The Saints play their first home game of the Ladbrokes Championship season tomorrow when Dumbarton come to town and are keen to right the wrongs of last season that saw them win just three league games on their own patch.

It is an objective which Langfield is confident about achieving.

He said: “The Championship is such a tight league. You look at Hibs losing at Dumbarton, and even our game against Rangers. We had a lot of chances in that game, so I think teams will take points off one another, but we just have to look after ourselves and try and make St Mirren Park a fortress.

“I don’t think many teams will enjoy coming to our place to play against us.

“We have a relatively young squad so we need that little bit of experience in there as well. It bodes well for the future.

“At this stage in my career it’s a challenge that really excites me. I enjoy working with young lads because I like to see them develop.

“The other thing is I’m a big kid at heart. I might be 35 but I’m still as crazy as I was when I was 18, so hopefully they will like how I come across, but the most important thing is that I hope my experience can help them throughout the season.”

Speaking about his latest acquisition, Murray added: “It’s pleasing to get him in and it’s good for Mark too. But first and foremost we needed another goalie in and we also needed a coach.

“To get someone who can do both roles is what we’ve been after and we’ve got one with a very good calibre and pedigree.

“Jamie’s made it perfectly clear to myself, Mark and the coaching staff that he’s here to compete. He’s also here to be a good goalie coach and learn.”